Europe 2013 A Continent Adrift

EUROPE 2013
A continent_ Adrift
A Publicis Groupe study on emerging from recession in Europe, produced by Ipsos/CGI and FreeThinking
SuM mary
Europe Adrift by Maurice Lvy About this survey
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Results of the Ipsos/CGI quantitative study

Main take-aways
10 12 13 17 20 24 25 47 51 69
I Crisis has a real impact on the attitudes and behaviour of Europeans II Upturn still uncertain: has Europe broken down? III Those involved in the way out of the crisis: governments, companies or citizens?
Detailed results
I Social climate and expectations II Stakeholders and their state of mind III Strengths and weaknesses IV Composing with the crisis
Results of the FreeThinking qualitative study

I From shock to serenity, perceptions of the crisis are not just a little different theyre worlds apart II All together or alone against everyone? Two opposing views of the main players in the recovery process III Over-prepared, well-prepared, unprepared: countries are confronting recession with very uneven skill-sets IV How can we emerge from the crisis? Different visions of the efforts required
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EUROPE 2013
A continent_ Adrift
A Publicis Groupe study on emerging from recession in Europe, produced by Ipsos/CGI and FreeThinking
EUROPE adrift
by Maurice Lvy
or months, statistics have detailed the decline of the European economy, with slumping confidence by business leaders and above all, citizens and consumers. Like every manager of a company, this has worried me deeply. To guide the decisions made by Publicis Groupe, and to shape insights that can help our clients make key choices, I felt that we needed to better understand the general outlook of Europes citizens, and especially their behavior as consumers. I therefore launched two complementary studies: one, quantitative, which looked at more than 6000 Europeans, with Ipsos/CGI; and a second, qualitative study led by FreeThinking, an entity within Publicis Groupe, which focused on 400 Europeans. The insights yielded by these studies are important, but they should not be surprising. The situation is grim; the future appears blocked. Confidence in national institutions has been badly damaged, while the institutions of the European Union have dropped out of sight. Even more striking is the sharp division between North and South. Poles, Germans and Britons are managing the recession better: they feel stronger, and although they dont place great hope in Europe and its institutional bodies, they are more optimistic overall. The Spanish and Italians are stunned and have almost no resilience left no capacity for recovery or hope. As for the French, despite an economy that is objectively in better shape than that of neighboring Latin countries, they have clearly swung southwards. This economic and financial crisis has had tangible impact on the daily lives of citizens. This is an era of restriction, of spending cuts, of frequent sacrifice and constant prudence. From North to South the gravity of the situation does of course vary, but the overall movement of retraction is the same. Europeans have tightened their belts; and worse yet, they are
bracing to tighten those belts further, for they are worried. They have or will cut consumption in every sector even food. Their fears are tenacious and severe. When Europeans think of the future, what looms above all is the fear of poverty and relegation to a lower social class even social exclusion both for themselves and for their children. With the exception of Poland, it is to some degree the very notion of generational progress that is affected. Personally, each individual imagines that he or she will be able to manage better than others, but an attitude of pessimism is what dominates, and it is deepening. This is certainly one of the major lessons of this study: three-quarters of respondents believe that Europe is digging deeper into crisis. Can the policy measures that are currently planned or underway help end this recession? Only the Germans and by a short majority the Poles say they believe this. Tragically, politicians (both national and at a European level) have been unable to communicate the need for profound reform of the archaic structures that hamper the Old Continents indispensable adaptation to the economic challenges arising from globalization: competitivity, flexibility and so on. We are undergoing a terrible crisis of institutional and political leadership. Do our respondents believe that any one institutional actor could contribute more, or do better than, the others in the struggle to end the crisis? Apparently not. This massive discredit extends across European institutions, national governments, political parties both in power and in the opposition and trade unions. Only 1 European out of every 4 or 5 still trusts these bodies. Everywhere, across every subject and in every community, the credibility of our political and social actors seems durably damaged.
We are also observing a strong, and doubtless historic, disengagement from the European Union. Europe, which was for so long perceived as a shield, is now viewed as a handicap almost as often as it is seen as an asset. One wonders how the leaders of the European Unions institutions can continue to be oblivious to this evident failure. The image of the business sector has been less badly affected, although it is far from glorious. Interestingly, the public trusts small and medium companies regarding employment, and large corporations for management of public services. Another important lesson regarding public finances and the nonchalance of the leaders responsible for them: the respondents to our studies demonstrate far greater maturity, realism and clarity than their political leaders imagine. Apart from the British and Spanish (certainly for different, and easily understandable, reasons), respondents feel that their governments have not sufficiently confronted the need for vigorous public spending cuts. Does this indicate that we should place greater trust in the intelligence of our fellow citizens? Would a resolutely realistic, even Churchillian, discourse be more effective than attempts to pacify or anesthetize Europeans with illusions? The public does not believe in childish lullabies. Citizens are entirely conscious of the reality of the recession, and they are impatient to see radical and vigorous measures to grapple with and resolve these problems. With few exceptions, when asked about the principal handicap that holds back our societies, Europeans name excessive levels of public spending; taxes (some even describe an overdose); and de-industrialization. If there is any reason for hope, it is this clarity of vision. They are also
growing more closely interested in the Made in Country X theme, and are more conscious of their roles as citizen-consumers. Europeans are also inclined to make many more personal sacrifices than is generally believed: this factor, too, should encourage strong policy and action. A broad majority of respondents say they are ready to engage new training programs to change their professions. They also accept the idea that social welfare benefits should vary with income. Two-thirds are ready to save more for their retirement. A majority albeit a short majority is even ready to reduce the duration of vacations, or to extend the number of working years before retirement (in particular in France). This could be an important point for ongoing reform of European pension systems and welfare benefit systems, encouraging a more significant portion of capital funding or, perhaps better, points-based pension schemes. The European consumer is making painful decisions. He or she has already cut a number of budget items, and is considering lifestyle choices that are far more severe than any under discussion by governments. They include massive cuts in budgets for clothing and equipment, as well as delays in automobile purchases. Alongside this sacrifice or reduction of a number of basic budgets, a new system of values is taking shape. In the short or medium term, it seems likely that consumers will tend to reject products that are disposable; products which build in rapid obsolescence; and those that have been imported for no real reason across great distances. This is an important new point that should lead us to rethink a number of core axioms regarding consumer societies, as well as encouraging us to restructure our strategies for marketing and communication.
This study is disturbing and thus extremely useful in many different ways. Ultimately, I think, its main take-aways are these: - Yes, the effects of this recession will be deep, cruel and lasting. Given the degree of disenchantment now evident, and the corrosive nature of its underlying causes distrust, multiple forms of suffering, disengagement and rage the task of reconstruction that must be engaged by the leaders of our political, economic and social institutions is simply immense. It would be criminal to underestimate this, or to remain oblivious to it. - Europeans feel that the business sector will have an essential role in ending the crisis, and this magnifies our responsibility as heads of companies. Never has there been such a strong requirement of invention and re-invention, or so great a duty to boost employment. - Profound shifts are currently taking shape among consumers, and business leaders will need to anticipate these. Yesterdays formulas will not work any longer. We need to find new solutions through innovation, inventivity, and precise and attentive marketing. - Closer to home, I note that the French are the most pessimistic of all Europeans in this study, for they see clearly that real reforms have not yet been effected and are anxious about the absence of a clearly outlined future. There can be no hope without fear, and no fear without hope said the great 17th century philosopher Baruch Spinoza. Here we see the fear of a somber future. We must hope that it will inspire decisionmakers to put an end to their illusions about growth on credit, via galloping levels of debt and that they will now lead a determined drive for the structural reforms and public spending cuts that can be the only basis for a European future grounded in healthy, solid and sustainable growth. Maurice Lvy
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About this survey

How will Europe find its way out of recession and indeed, will it ever do so? Who will emerge from this trial stronger, and who will have been weakened?
The dimensions of the current European recession are unparalleled in the past 80years; they extend to every kind of economic, social and political equation. These are questions that need answers. And the answers can only come from people in the front line; people who confront recession daily Europeans themselves. How are ordinary Europeans reacting to the recession? Do they fear the worst is yet to come, or feel that better days are coming? How do they think their countries will overcome the crisis deploying what assets, what skills, thanks to which decisive actors? What reforms are Europeans prepared to envisage in order to re-boot economic growth and push back unemployment? Which measures do they view as necessary, acceptable, indispensable or, on the contrary, pointless, even counter-productive? Finally, how and to what extent are they prepared to reshape their daily lives in order to adapt to the new reality? In order to explore these topics with depth and insight, Publicis Groupe recently set up an unprecedented and ambitious new Europe-wide study grounded in two parallel and complementary investigations. A quantitative study by Ipsos/CGI across six of the most symbolically vital countries of the European Union: France, Germany, Great Britain, Italy, Spain and Poland. A qualitative online study led by FreeThinking Publicis Groupes collaborative research lab to look at five communities in France, Germany, Great Britain, Italy and Spain. These two complementary studies outline the contours of Europes economic and social landscape, as seen by its citizens. They also paint a portrait of their personal economic situations, whether or not recession has hit them hardhow and what they consume, their fears, and their hopes for the future.
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quantitative study
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Results of the ipsos/cgi
MeTH ODOLOGy
Ipsos questioned, from March 14th to April 7th, 2013, over 6,000 people aged 18 and over and living in 6 main countries of the European Union: France, Germany, Italy, Spain, the United Kingdom and Poland. Using the Internet to question over 1,000 people in each of these countries, the aim was to be able to analyse the results at different levels: At the global level, looking at the results of the answers from all respondents, whatever their country of residence, including by certain criteria concerning all respondents: young vs old, the most educated Europeans vs the least educated; At the national level, to highlight where each country is on the issues raised and to be able to create categories; At the infra-national level, in order to analyse, in more detail, within a country, differences between categories of population.
Sample Europe 6,198 respondents, including:

France: 1,021 respondents Germany: 1,013 respondents Spain: 1,059 respondents Great Britain: 1,040 respondents Italy: 1,009 respondents Poland: 1,056 respondents Fieldwork conducted from March 14th to the April 7th, 2013. Method: National representative samples interviewed online.
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Main ta ke-aways
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I. Crisis has a real impact on the attitudes and behaviour of Europeans.

A majority of Europeans believe that their personal situation has deteriorated due to the crisis.
For more than half of the Europeans questioned, the crisis has exacerbated the difficulties they were experiencing (60%, of which 40% a little and 20% a lot). It has had a particular impact on the most vulnerable Europeans: people with the lowest incomes in each country and the least educated Europeans. It has, again not surprisingly, particularly exacerbated the situation of the Italians (79%, of which 35% a lot) and the Spanish (72% of which 29% a lot), who have been hit hard by the economic crisis. Furthermore, whilst 37% of Europeans are currently able to put some money into savings at the end of the month, this is the case for only 26% of Spaniards and 29% of Italians. Almost half of the nationals from each of these two countries only just manage to cover their expenses at the end of the month (49% in Spain and 52% in Italy). Worse still, one Spaniard in four (25%) and almost one Italian in five (19%) is living on their savings or with debts, thanks to one or several loans. The crisis has had serious consequences for almost half the Spanish
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and Italian households: 49% of Spaniards questioned and 41% of Italians say that they or a member of their family has, at one time since 2008 and as a result of the economic crisis, been unemployed as a result of a redundancy (compared with 28% for all of the countries surveyed); 34% of Spaniards and 36% of Italians say that either they or a member of their household have been very late in the payment of bills, running the risk of no longer benefiting from the corresponding service (compared with 25% for the total); 42% of Italians (or a member of their family) have gone without a medical treatment or a surgical operation prescribed by a doctor due to its cost (compared with 21% for the total). Italians (or a member of their household) have in total encountered 7.1 of the 15 situations resulting from the crisis tested, a little more than the figure for Spaniards (6.6) and much more than the average (5.1). Despite everything, in both Italy and Spain, 11% of those surveyed say that the crisis has had the advantage of making them discover opportunities which they have been able to take advantage of (more than in the four other countries surveyed).
The British, and above all the Germans, have been the least negatively affected by the crisis: only a minority (48% of the British and 40% of the Germans) believe that it has exacerbated the difficulties that they have encountered. They usually believe that the crisis has had a neutral effect on their daily lives (55% of Germans and 43% of British people think that it has not really changed things), and some even believe that it has had a positive effect (5% of Germans and 9% of British people think that the crisis has enabled them to discover opportunities which they have been able to take advantage of ). It is consistently clear that the Germans and the British are affected by the lowest number of the recessions consequences (3.2/15 on average for the Germans and 3.8 for the British). The British and the Germans are also amongst those surveyed who are most able to put money aside at the end of the month (46% of British people and 44% of Germans do so compared with just 26% of Spaniards). The situation of the French and Poles in this regard is intermediate: less severely affected than the Italians and Spanish, they are however more affected than the Germans and British. The majority of Poles also believe that the crisis has exacerbated their difficulties (65% compared with 60% overall). However, fewer Poles
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than average believe that the crisis has made things very much worse (18% compared with 20%). At the same time fewer of them manage to put some money aside every month (30% compared with 37%) but not so many of them are overdrawn or have to use their savings (18% compared with 19% on average). These results reflect an overall less comfortable financial situation for the Poles (more of them say they have been very late in the payment of bills with the risk of no longer benefiting from the corresponding service41% compared with 25% overall) compared with other Europeans surveyed, but a more limited impact of the crisis in this country. As for the French, whilst the majority of them believe that the crisis has exacerbated the difficulties they were facing (54%), a higher than average number of them manage to put some money aside every month (43%, i.e. almost as many as the Germans or the British). In reality they are no doubt less affected by the crisis than they fear. For example, only 12% of the French say that they or a member of their household (compared with 28% overall) has been unemployed following a redundancy as a result of the crisis which has existed since 2008. So based on this indicator the French, whilst they are extremely afraid of unemployment, are in fact the least affected of the six countries surveyed.
Europeans have also modified their behaviour as a consequence.

The crisis has had a tangible impact on the daily life of the majority of households and over time European households have put in place mechanisms to adapt. The modification of behaviour has had some undeniable beneficial effects (even if this is partly on the basis of declarations of intent): 62% of Europeans say that the crisis has caused them to pay more attention to the impact of their consumption on their environment (71% in France and 75% in Italy); 61% that the crisis has encouraged them to be more enterprising, to show more initiative (68% in the United Kingdom and 66% in Poland) and finally 39% that it has forced them to be better insured and protected against lifes accidents (57% in Spain, the only country where this response is in the majority). These effects are beneficial when considered in terms of the environment and the fight against waste, but some of these behaviours have a perverse effect: they contribute to slowing down the economy by reducing consumption. 88% of the Europeans questioned say that the crisis has caused them to waste much less (this is particularly the case in the most affected countries: 96% in Italy and 92% in
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Spain) and 76% that the crisis has forced them to reduce their consumption (95% in Italy and 90% in Spain). Some even show they are tempted by protectionism (or economic patriotism): 65% of Europeans believe that the crisis has caused them to pay more attention to the origin of the products they consume (72% in France and 77% in Italy). The measures put in place by households to deal with the crisis are contributing to making it worse: they are both the consequences and the causes. 60% of Europeans questioned say that since 2008 and due to the economic crisis, they or a member of their household have reduced the cost of their mobile telephone package, Internet subscription or telephone/ computer purchase; 58% have stopped going on holiday at least once a year, 57% have changed their eating habits in order to reduce the cost of the shopping bill, 55% have turned the heating down in their homes or reduced the number of days that it is on, 54% have re-organised their daily travel in order to use less fuel and 41% have decided not to buy a new car when they should have bought one. The impact on consumption is clear and affects sectors as varied as telephony, tourism, agri-food, energy and the automotive sector.
Prospects for the development of consumption over the next few months are very worrying: in the next few months, a majority of Europeans are thinking about reducing spending in extremely varied areas (64% furniture expenditure, 64% the purchase of a vehicle, 61% games and toys, 59% household appliances and Hi-fi, 58% wines and spirits, 56% books, CDs and DVDs, 55% telephones, computers and tablets and 55% holidays and leisure). Even in more essential areas, a significant share of Europeans are anticipating a fall in the amounts they spend: 19% for food and 46% for
clothes. These figures are a good illustration of the collapse of growth. The Italians and Spanish are those who most anticipate another reduction in their spending, including in the area of food: 26% of Italians and 23% of Spaniards plan to make additional efforts to save in this essential area of spending. After the Italians and the Spanish, the French are those who most plan to reduce their spending over the next few months, a sign of the severity of the crisis in confidence which holds sway in France and handicaps the prospects of an upturn.
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II. Upturn still uncertain: has Europe broken down?

The confidence of Europeans is at a low point and feeds the crisis in confidence.
If the prospects of a development in consumption are so bleak, it is above all because Europeans no longer have any confidence in the future. They feel that the prospects of an upturn are still a long way off: for 3 Europeans in 4, the crisis in their country will get worse over the next year. The French are particularly convinced of this (85%, of which 23% think that it will get much worse). In this regard they are the European pessimism champions, although no country is spared. The Germans fear that the European crisis will get the better of them and 73% of them anticipate a deterioration of the crisis in their country. The Spanish for their part are the least pessimistic. Already very severely affected, a significant proportion of them seem to think that things cannot continue to deteriorate: 40% of them think that within a year the crisis in Spain will ease and even end. Europeans currently feel that they have no real control over their lives: 50% of them think that they only have a small amount of control, and 10% even believe that they dont have any. The Italians and the Span17
ish are particularly convinced that they no longer have any control over their lives. The only country where the majority, albeit a very small one (51%), believe they currently have the power to manage their lives is Germany. There is no doubt that this feeling of a loss of control causes a high level of stress about the future. It feeds the fear of a loss in social status (51% of Europeans questioned think that when their children are their age, they will have a lower standard of living), a fear which is particularly strong in France (72% of French people think this). Only the Polish are currently in the relative majority (40%) to believe that the following generation will have a better life. In old Europe, the feeling of an end of a golden age is predominant. Europeans fear the end of their social model. Furthermore, the strongest worry of Europeans is the fear of a retirement lacking dignity (40% mention it, and even 47% in France, 51% in Germany and 50% in Italy). The fear of losing ones job is mentioned much less often (19% overall, although 25% in Spain and 24% in Poland where shorter term concerns are highlighted more).
So in addition to an economic crisis, for the countries of old Europe it is the fear of a deeper calling into question which is worrying. In this context, the morale of Europeans is, unsurprisingly, low, especially when asked about their compatriots. When they have to describe their compatriots morale using three adjectives, they largely choose negative ones (92% compared with 30% positive adjectives). The dominating sentiments are an ambient pessimism (45%), a latent worry (36%) and in equal measures resignation (32%) or anger (32%). It is in France that the climate seems to be the worst: 97% of French people use at least one negative adjective to describe the morale of their compatriots, compared with 16% who use at least one positive adjective. Despite everything, we notice some encouraging signs, in particular in certain European countries: when they consider their own situation, Europeans are much less negative than when they describe the morale
of their compatriots. In this case it is the positive adjectives which dominate (78% compared with 65% negative adjectives), albeit only just, with the exception of certain countries where the difference is clearer, such as Germany (87% of positive feelings compared with 52% negative) or Poland (82% positive compared with 56% negative). In Spain, despite the severity of the crisis, positive and negative feelings are equal (73% of mentions). At the scale of the 6 countries surveyed, the three dominant feelings are optimism (30%), caution (29%) and calm (27%). With regard to their personal future paths, the majority of Europeans consider them be clear (61%). Only a minority consider their personal future paths to be obstructed (39%, of which just 5% completely blocked). Only the French (51%) and the Italians (55%) are in the majority in thinking that their personal futures are obstructed. The most optimistic in this regard are the Germans (80%), the Poles (78%) and the British (66%).
Europeans no longer believe in the effectiveness of reforms.

Whilst more and more is being asked of them, Europeans are extremely doubtful about the effectiveness of the reforms. More than half of the Europeans surveyed believe that the crisis is leading
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to reforms which will have negative repercussions on the economic and social situation of their fellow citizens (58%). The Spanish, who are currently paying a high price for the austerity polices, think this the most (76%), ahead of the French (71%), the Ital-
ians (66%), the British (60%) and the Germans (54%). Only the Polish are currently in the very large majority in thinking that the crisis is leading to reforms which will make it possible to improve the economic and social situation (71% compared with 22% who think the opposite). They are currently no doubt those who have the least to lose. In addition, the crisis is considered to be more of an obstacle to reforms than an opportunity to carry out necessary changes: only 39% of Europeans believe that the crisis will allow us to bounce back by forcing us to carry out the necessary reforms, compared with 47% who think on the contrary that the crisis is preventing us from carrying them out since they run the risk of further aggravating the situation. Only in Germany do the major-
ity (57%) of nationals believe that the crisis represents a good opportunity to carry out necessary reforms, no doubt to a large extent because in their eyes it is a question of the other EU countries carrying out the reforms which will allow the Germans to stop paying for the budgetary sins of the other countries. Europeans do not believe in a beneficial effect of the crisis. A majority of them believe that their country will come out of it weaker (66%, of which 27% believe that it will be markedly weaker). The Spanish (76%), Italians (73%) and French (74%) think this the most, but this feeling also affects the Poles (59%), the British (59%) and the Germans (56%). Europeans seem to be convinced that they are stuck on a downward trajectory.
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III. Those involved in the way out of the crisis: governments, companies or citizens?
Bankruptcy caused by those in public life.
In the eyes of Europeans, institutional figures are more responsible for the bankruptcy of the system than likely to enable the way out of the crisis. Only a minority (29%) of Europeans believe that their governments are proposing constructive solutions in the face of the crisis. The solutions proposed by the German (45%) and British (40%) governments are slightly better perceived, without however arousing enthusiasm. The opposition (24%), unions (27%) or even the European authorities (29%) are not looked on more favourably. Furthermore, only a small majority of Europeans (52%) believe that the fact that their country belongs to the EU is overall more of an advantage. In the eyes of the Germans (57%), the British (63%) and the Italians (53%), it is even, overall, more of a handicap. There is a deep mistrust of the authorities: Europeans feel that at the very least they are responsible for having, through their laxness, let the crisis take hold, and that they are incapable of offering solutions, and that they even aggravate the situation.
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According to the Europeans questioned, the most important problem which needs to be resolved in order to find a way out of the crisis is above all excessive fiscal pressure (35% believe the excessive level of taxes to be the first problem to solve), ahead of the selfishness of rich people (27%) or industrial companies which are closing (25%). A particularly large proportion of Italians (54%) lament this excessive fiscal pressure, even more than the Spanish (38%). The very large majority of Europeans do not think that the extent of public spending cuts implemented b y t h e i r g o v e r n m e n t s a re b i g enough either. More often than not, they believe that their governments are not making enough effort in this area (57%). The French (77%) and the Italians (81%) are particularly persuaded of this. Almost one third of Europeans for their part believe that their governments are reducing public spending too much (30%). This is above all the case of the Spanish (55%) and British (50%). Finally, only 13% of Europeans believe that their governments are reducing public spending as they should be.
The majority of Europeans, convinced of the impotence of those in public life, even believe that it is necessary for private companies to take over public services which up until now were only provided by the State or by public authorities (57%, although only 21% of
them believe this to be desirable). The French, despite the fact that they have long been extremely attached to the principle of public service, are amongst those who most consider this change to be necessary (62%).
Recovery through European companies?

In the face of the inability of public bodies to help find a way out of the crisis, companies, and especially SMEs, look like being those most capable of finding solutions (45% of Europeans believe that they offer constructive solutions to the crisis, which is the best score amongst the various groups tested). Confidence in the solutions proposed by SMEs is particularly strong in France (53%), Germany (58%) and Poland (62%). At the heart of the economic fabric, SMEs are the preferred players of the economic upturn. There is slightly less confidence in the solutions proposed by large companies (38%). Less valued in the current political and media rhetoric, they are also more often suspected of colluding with public authorities and the financial system, and associated with large-scale redundancy plans. The difference in the confidence in SMEs and large companies is particularly strong in France (27 points) and to a lesser extent in Spain (18 points). This difference is much smaller in a
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country such as Germany (8 points), where large companies are much more valued (50%). SMEs in the United Kingdom and Italy for their part are less valued than large companies. Europeans are confident in the strengths of their companies and seem to believe that the main handicaps of the latter are above all the result of action by public authorities. When questioned on their companies, Europeans appear to be confident in their numerous strengths: the quality of products and services (74%), research and technical innovation (67%), inventiveness and innovation in the area of products and services (67%), the capacity to export, including to outside Europe (66%) and the quality of professional training (61%) are the strengths most often put forward. Elements which are more dependent on government however are thought of as handicaps for companies: the level of taxes on profits and other taxes on companies (68%), the relationship between wage levels and the cost of
living (63%) or employees level at foreign languages (62%), resulting from a deficient languages education, are in their eyes the three main weak points of European companies, as if the main weakness of companies were the State. This return to grace for the figure of the entrepreneur is not, however, unconditional. For companies to be worthy of their trust, Europeans expect them to respect a certain social contract, in particular with regard to the preservation of jobs. This is
the priority that they assign to the large companies of their countries during a period of economic crisis (37% mention this as the first priority), well ahead of the other objectives envisaged, including the fall in their prices (19% mentioned first). This is even more the case in Germany (52% of Germans mention the preservation of employment as the first priority) where it is the non-negotiable condition for concessions granted by employees in the area of flexibility.
Citizens and consumers try to take back control.

Aware of the severity of the crisis, Europeans are prepared to agree to new efforts, so long as these do not affect their purchasing power. The majority of Europeans are prepared to train to change professions (70%), to accept that social services take more account of their level of income (67% and even 75% in France), to save more for their retirement and to cover the risks of dependency (66%) and even to give up 3 to 4 days of holiday over the year (52% of working people; 51% of French working people). Such acceptance levels for such unpopular measures are an indicator of how aware Europeans are of the seriousness of the crisis. This does not however mean that if they were put in place, they would not cause major protest movements.
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Retiring one or two years later does not however get majority approval (41% of Europeans working are prepared to accept it), except in France (52%) and in the United Kingdom (58%). Almost one working European in four say they are prepared to move more often to change position or job (24%). Finally, the measures which impact on purchasing power are the most disputed: only 15% of Europeans would accept a 10% fall in their income (although 23% of Spaniards) and 13% a 10% increase in their taxes (the British are the least resistant to this idea with 17% in favour, ahead of the Spanish, with 15%). For European citizens and consumers, taking back control of their lives also
no doubt involves adopting new consumption behaviours. Whilst the fight against waste and over-consumption is participating in the slow-down of consumption, it is also a remedy for the fall or stagnation of purchasing power. It is in this sense that the crisis could create new beneficial consumption trends. The development of purchases or exchanges between private individuals is an obvious example of this. For a long time confined to a few areas, it is now spreading to a very wide range of products: books, CDs and DVDs are already bought or exchanged amongst private individuals by 26% of Europeans and 30% are now prepared to do so; this also applies to games and toys (18% do so and 28% would like
to), the purchase of a vehicle (18% and 27%), clothes (20% and 22%), furniture (14% and 28%), telephones/ computers/tablets (12% and 28%), electrical appliances / Hi-fi (11% and 26%), holidays and leisure (8% and 26%) and more rarely care/cosmetics products (7% and 16%) and wines and spirits (6% and 17%). Whilst these behavioural changes, caused by the collapse of growth, may have a negative impact on the shortterm prospects of an upturn, they may also constitute the opportunity for a more sustainable growth, so long as we can capitalise on the sum of optimistic individuals rather than be affected by the collective ambient gloom.
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Detai led resu lts
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I Social climate and expectations
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I - Social climate and expectations
The 3 adjectives that best describe your current state of mind

Which three adjectives best describe your current state of mind? +And which three adjectives best describe the state of mind which seems most widespread among your fellow citizens?
To all
For y For ourself yourself

Op9mis9c Op9mis9c 30% 30% Calm Calm 27% 27% Determined Determined 26% 26% Condent Condent 21% 21% Brave Brave 13% 13% Enterprising Enterprising 13% 13% Socially Socially responsible responsible 13% 13% Ambi9ous Ambi9ous 12% 12% Inven9ve Inven9ve 8% 8% S/T P S/T osi9ve Posi9ve Cau9ous Cau9ous 29% 29% Worried Worried 22% 22% Pessimis9c Pessimis9c 14% 14% Resigned Resigned 12% 12% Angry Angry 10% 10% Individualis9c Individualis9c 8% 8% Conserva9ve Conserva9ve 8% 8% Passive Passive 5% 5% Desperate Desperate 4% 4% S/T N S/T ega9ve Nega9ve
For y For our your fellow fellow ci9zens ci9zens 7% 7% 6% 6% 8% 8% 6% 6% 5% 5% 4% 4% 8% 8% 6% 6% 3% 3% 78% 78%
30% 30%
24% 24% 36% 36% 45% 45% 32% 32% 32% 32% 14% 14% 11% 11% 19% 19% 18% 18% 65% 65%
Total Total > 100: >t 1 hree 00: t a hree nswers answers possible possible
92% 92%
26
For yourself S/T PosiDve All countries France Germany Spain Great Britain Italy Poland S/t NegaDve
For your fellow S/T PosiDve All countries France Germany Spain Great Britain Italy Poland
S/t N
78% 65% 78% 70% 87% 52% 73% 73% 79% 67% 70% 71% 82% 56%
30% 16%
38% 25%
32% 27%
For yourself S/t NegaDve
For your fellow ciDzens S/T PosiDve All countries France Germany Spain Great Britain Italy Poland S/t NegaDve
Dve
78% 65% 78% 70% 87% 52% 73% 73% 79% 67% 70% 71% 82% 56%
30% 16% 38% 25% 32% 27% 45%
92% 97% 91% 94% 89% 91% 88%
27
Your Les 3 adjectifs current financial qui correspondent situation ltat desprit actuel
Which statement best describes your current situation?
To all
You manage to save a lot of money You manage to save a li8le money S/t You manage to save money Your income is just sucient to make ends meet You are cu?ng a bit into your savings You are overdrawn and living thanks to one or more loans
3% 34% 37% 44% 10% 9%

All countries
S/T You manage to save money %
37% 43% 44% 26% 46% 29% 30%
28
Which statement best describes your current situation?

To all
All countries
n=6198 n=1021 n=1013 n=1059 n=1040 n=1009 n=1056
You manage to save a lot of money You manage to save a li9le money
S/T You manage to save money
3 34 37 44 10 9 19
2 41 43 38 11 8 19
4 40 44 39 8 9 17
1 25 26 49 12 13 25
6 40 46 34 13 7 20
2 27 29 52 13 6 19
1 29 30 52 8 10 18
Your income is just sucient to make ends meet You are cuCng a bit into your savings You are overdrawn and living thanks to one or more loans
S/t You live on your savings or loans
29
Impact of the economic crisis

Have you or someone in your household, at any given time since 2008 and due to the economic crisis...?
To all
Yes, yourself or someone in your household
Yes, yourself or someone in your household No No Yes, yourself or someone in your household No
subscripBon or purchase of a new telephone or computer Reduced the cost of your mobile phone contract, internet t, internet 60 or purchase of a 40 subscripBon new telephone or computer computer Decided not to go on holiday at least once a year
holiday at least once a year 42 58 Decided not to go on
Reduced the cost of your mobile phone contract, internet
60 58 57 55 54
60 58 57 55 54 41
40 42 43
40 42 43
nce a year
Changed your cooking or eaBng habits to cut your grocery Changed your cooking or eaBng habits to c ut your grocery costs ur grocery costs 43 57 costs Reduced the temperature or the number of days during Reduced the temperature or the number of days during which the heaBng is switched on in your home ays during
our home
55
which the heaBng is switched on in your home
45
45 45 46 46 59 65
59 65
Reorganized y our daily travel o use less f Reorganized your t d aily travel tuel o use less fuel
e less fuel
54
46
m manage
Decided not to buy a nn ew co ar at t Bme y should h ave Decided ot t buy ahe new car aou t the Bme y ou should have done so done so 41 ould have 41 59 done so Given ot r lent money to your hildren or grandchildren in Given or lent m oney o your children or gcrandchildren in order to help them manage 35 order t o h elp t hem m anage hildren in
35
35
65
30
To all
Discon'nued your job search for several months or years 28 Discon'nued your job sot earch for several months since you could n nd any suitable oers or years since you could not nd any suitable oers Been unemployed a;er being made redundant (on economic 28 Been unemployed a;er being made redundant (on economic grounds) grounds) Fallen into considerable arrears with the payment of Fallen into cn onsiderable arrears with the payment o f invoices, at the risk of o longer enjoying the service in 25 invoices, at the risk of no longer enjoying the service in ques'on ques'on
Yes, yourself or someone in your household No Yes, yourself or someone in your household Don't kNo now Don't know
28 28 25 22 21
72 72
72 72 75 77 79
1 1
75 77 79 90 90 90
22 Given up on the house or at you wanted to buy Given up on the house or at you wanted to buy
Decided not to receive medical treatment or a surgical 21 Decided not to b receive medical reatment or a s opera'on prescribed y a doctor due to the expense urgical opera'on prescribed by a doctor due to the expense Had to move house because you could no longer pay o your 10 Had to move house because you could no o longer p ay o your loan r the r ent loan or the rent Been forced to abandon your higher educa'on due to the 10 Been forced to abandon your h igher educa'on due to the registra'on o r tui'on fees only registra'on or tui'on fees only Accommodate someone you know who lost his/her home 10 Accommodate someone you know who lost his/her home
10 10 10
90 90 90
31

To all
S/T Yes, yourself or someone in your houseold

Reduced the cost of your mobile phone contract, internet subscrip6on or purchase of a new telephone or computer Decided not to go on holiday at least once a year Changed your cooking or ea6ng habits to cut your grocery costs Reduced the temperature or the number of days during which the hea6ng is switched on in your home Reorganized your daily travel to use less fuel Decided not to buy a new car at the 6me you should have done so Given or lent money to your children or grandchildren in order to help them manage
All countries
n=6198 n=1021 n=1013 n=1059 n=1040 n=1009 n=1056
60 58 57 55 54 41 35
62 52 58 54 58 38 31
34 46 32 33 35 28 24
75 72 66 69 68 49 35
45 41 56 58 44 21 33
74 76 75 68 73 62 41
68 59 56 46 47 47 47
32
To all
Yes, yr ourself or someone in S/T Yes, yS/T ourself o someone in All All your houseold countries countries your houseold
n=6198
n=6198 n=1013 n=1021 n=1021 n=1013
n=1059 n=1059
n=1040 n=1040
n=1009 n=1009
n=1056 n=1056
Reduced ts he cost fo f y mobile phone Discon'nued your job earch or sour everal contract, nternet subscrip6on or purchase months or years since iy ou could not nd any 28 of a new telephone or computer suitable oers Decided not to go on holiday at least once a Been unemployed a;er being made year 28 redundant (on economic grounds) Changed y our c ooking o r e a6ng h abits t o cut Fallen into considerable arrears with the your grocery costs payment of invoices, at the risk of no longer
60 12 62 15 34 58 12 52 15 46 57 55 54
75 49 72 49 66 34 69 28 68 19 49 16 35
45 17 41 17 56 10 58 7 44 8 21 5 33
74 41 76 41 75 36 68 35 73 42 62 16 41
68 29 59 30 56 41 46 30 47 23 47 12 47
enjoying the Reduced service in ques'on the temperature or the number of days during which the hea6ng is switched on Given up on the house or at you wanted to in your home 22 buy Decided not t o receive medical reatment or less fuel Reorganized your dt aily travel to ua se surgical opera'on prescribed by a doctor due 21 to the expense Decided not to buy a new car at the 6me you should have done so Had to move house because you could no 10 longer pay o your loan or toney he rent Given o r lent m to your children or grandchildren in order to help them manage Been forced to abandon your higher educa'on due to the registra'on or tui'on fees only
25
12 19 19
58 54 58
32 17 33 14
35 15 41 38 28 7 5 35 31 24
10 10
6 10
5 5
14 15
6 7
14 14
16 11
Accommodate someone you know who lost his/her home
33

To all
0 situa6on encountered 1 to 5 situa6ons encountered 6 to 10 situa6ons encountered 11 to 15 situa6ons encountered
Situa6ons encountered on average (yourself or someone in your houseold)
All countries: 5.1 4.5 3.2 6.6
All countries
8% 10% 35% 47%
20
3.8 7.1
90% of the households have encountered at least one of the situa1ons listed which are consequences of the crisis
5.6
40
34
Consequences on everyday life XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

When thinking of the economic crisis which started in 2008, how would you assess its consequences on your everyday life?
To all
It helped me discover opportuni9es from which I have beneted

helped me discover opportuni9es from which I h beneted It did not It really change anything; my situa9on is aave lmost the same as before
It made the dicul9es I was experiencing a bit worse

It made the dicul9es I was experiencing a bit worse
It did not really change anything; my situa9on is almost the same as before
It made the d icul9es I was aa llot w orse It m ade the dicul9es I e wxperiencing as experiencing ot w orse
All countries All countries
All All countries

n=6198
countries
n=6198
0%
20% 8%
8%
n=1021
n=1013
n=1059
n=1040
n=1009
n=1056
40%
32%
0%
It helped me discover rom which It opportuni9es helped me fd iscover I have beneted opportuni9es from which It did not really change I have bs eneted my itua9on is 32% anything; almost the same a before It d id not really cs hange It made the dicul9es I anything; my situa9on is was experiencing a bit almost the same as before worse It made he td icul9es It mt ade he dicul9es II was experiencing lot was e xperiencing aa b it worse worse S/T It m ade the dicul9es It m ade the d icul9es I worse was experiencing a lot worse
n=1021
n=1013
n=1059
n=1040
n=1009
n=
32 40
8 38 40
5 55
11 17
11
43
11
10 44
7 28 47
11 10
32
38 29 55 43
29 29
17 33
15 43
43
20 40 60
14 40 11 54
35 33 18 44 79
20 60
35
14 54
40
11 40
72
29 72
48
15 48
65
35 79
S/T It made the dicul9es worse
Impact of the crisis on behaviours

Do you strongly agree, tend to agree, tend to disagree or strongly disagree with each of the following statements?
To all
Strongly agree Tend to agree Tend to disagree Strongly disagree

The crisis prompts me to be less wasteful The crisis forces me to reduce my consumpAon The crisis prompts me to pay more aBenAon to the origin of the products which I consume The crisis prompts me to pay more aBenAon to the environmental impact of my consumpAon The crisis prompts me to be more enterprising and to take more iniAaAve The crisis forces me to get beBer insurance and to beBer protect myself against the risk of personal accidents
S/T Agree %
S/T Not agree %
45 38 26 20 18 11 28 39 42 43
43 38
8 4 19 5 26 9 10 10 20
88 76 65 62 61 39
12 24 35 38 39 61
28 29 41
36
Do you strongly agree, tend to agree, tend to disagree or strongly disagree with each of the following statements?
To all
S/T Agree
The crisis prompts me to be less wasteful The crisis forces me to reduce my consump=on The crisis prompts me to pay more aAen=on to the origin of the products which I consume The crisis prompts me to pay more aAen=on to the environmental impact of my consump=on The crisis prompts me to be more enterprising and to take more ini=a=ve The crisis forces me to get beAer insurance and to beAer protect myself against the risk of personal accidents
All countries
n=6198 n=1021 n=1013 n=1059 n=1040 n=1009 n=1056
88 76 65 62 61 39 3.9
91 80 72 71 55 46 4.2
79 55 56 64 60 30 3.4
92 90 67 57 59 57 4.2
89 72 51 50 68 23 3.5
96 95 77 75 61 37 4.4
81 63 68 55 66 39 3.7
Average number of posi=ve consequences
37
Control over the way life unfolds

Some people think they are in control of the way their life unfolds. Others think they have little real power over what happens to them. Currently, would you say that...?
To all
You are in control of the way your life unfolds You have li:le real power over what happens to you You have no real power over what happens to you
You have li:le real power over what happens to you You have no real power over what happens to you You are in control of the way your life unfolds
All countries
All countries
n=6198
10% 10%
40% 40%
All countries countries
All
n=6198 n=1021
n=1013
n=1021 n=1059 n=1013 n=1059 n=1040 n=1040 n=1009 n=1056
n=1009
You aire in control You are n control of of the way yay our life 40 the w y our life unfolds
You have li:le real You ho ave li:le power ver w hat real 50 happens o you what power to ver
unfolds
40 40
51 40 43 6
33 51 45 50 17
30 33
39 45
30
50%
50%
to you You happens have no real power over what 10 You have no real happens to you power over what happens to you
50 10
52 8
52 8
43 6
48 7
50 17
57
48
9
52
57
13
13
38
Perception of your personal future

When you think of your future, you would say that it is...
To all
Completely open
Slightly open
Slightly blocked
Slightly blocked
Completely blocked
Completely blocked
Completely open
Slightly open
All countries
All countries
S/t Open Blocked S/t Blocked S/t Open 39% 61% 61% 39% 5% 15% 5% 15%
All All countries countries
34%
34% 46%
Completely open
Completely open Slightly open
n=6198
n=6198
n=1021
15
15 46
n=1021
n=1013
44
19 61
n=1013
n=1059
19
10 41
n=1059
n=1040
10
21
n=1040
n=1009
n=1056
45
21
n=1009
30 48
n=1056
39
30 48 78 19 3 22
Slightly S/t open Open 46 61

Slightly blocked 61 34 S/t Open
44 49
46 49 51 5
61 51 80
17 80 44 3 20 5 49
41 66 51 27 44 5
7 34
45 45
47 66 8
39 78
19 45 3 22
46%
Slightly blocked Completely blocked
Completely blocked
S/t Blocked
34 5
39
46 5
17 3
27 7
55
47 8
S/t Blocked
39
51
20
49
34
55
39
Strongest concerns for your personal future

When you think of the future, what are you personally most afraid of?
To all
No longer being able to age in dignied condi7ons No longer being able to pay your bills No longer being able to receive proper health treatment Losing your job That your children will be forced to abandon their higher educa7on Losing your home Not being able to pay o your loans No longer having the means to eat as you do today No longer being able to go on holiday Having to limit your travel
40% 24% 21% 19% 14% 12% 10% 10% 7% 7%
Dont know / No answer 1%

Total > 100: two answers possible
40
When you think of the future, what are you personally most afraid of?
To all

n=6198 n=6198 n=1021 n=1021 n=1013 n=1013 n=1059 n=1059 n=1040 n=1040 n=1009 n=1009 n=1056 n=1056
No No longer longer being being able able to a to ge age in d in ignied dignied 40 condi3ons condi3ons 40 No No longer longer being being able able to p to ay pay your your bills bills 24 24 No No longer longer being being able able to r teceive o receive proper proper health health 21 treatment treatment 21 Losing Losing your your job job 19 19 That That your your children children will wb ill e b forced e forced to a to bandon abandon 14 their their higher higher educa3on educa3on 14 Losing Losing your your home home 12 12 Not Not being being able able to p to ay pay o o y our your loans loans 10 10 No No longer longer having having the the means means to e to at ea at s y aou s you do do 10 today today 10 No No longer longer being being able able to g to o g oo n o hn oliday holiday 7 7 Having Having to l timit o limit your your travel travel 7 7 Dont Dont know know / N/ o N ao nswer answer 1 1
47 47 18 18 25 25 17 17 14 14 11 11 11 11 9 9 7 7 8 8 1 1
51 51 20 20 28 28 13 13 7 7 7 7 9 9 11 11 8 8 9 9 1 1
28 28 26 26 8 8 25 25 24 24 25 25 13 13 13 13 4 4 3 3 - -
31 31 31 31 17 17 18 18 6 6 14 14 7 7 7 7 10 10 10 10 1 1
50 50 14 14 23 23 18 18 28 28 8 8 7 7 13 13 4 4 6 6 - -
36 36 31 31 28 28 24 24 6 6 9 9 16 16 5 5 8 8 8 8 - -
Total Total > 100: > 100: two two answers answers possible possible
41
Trust in the future of your children

When your children are your age, you think they will live...?
To all
Not as well as you at your age Just as well as you at your age All countries Don't know / No answer
Be3er than you at your age Not as well as you at your age Just as well as you at your age Be3er than you at your age Don't know / No answer
21%
1%
All countries

than you at your Be3er age
All countries
n=6198 All countries
n=6198 27
n=1021
n=1021
n=1013
n=1013
n=1059
n=1059
n=1040
n=1040
n=1009
n=1056
21%
27% 1%
11 72 17 -
-
20 53 27
-
32 50 18 -
n=1056 40 29 n=1009 30
27%
Be3er than you at your Not as well as you at age
Not as well as you at your age Just as well as you at
your age
51 21 1
27 51 21 1
11 72 17
20 53 27
32 50 18 -
29 45 25 1
45 25 1
30 58 12 -
58 12 -
40 31 29 -
31 29 -
51%
51%
Don't know / No answer
your ay ge Just as w ell as ou at your age
42
Evolution of the crisis in the coming year

In the coming year, would you say that the crisis in your country will...?
To all
Get slightly worse S/t Get worse
worse completely end All countries 75% 25% All countries 2% S/t Get slightly 20% 23% S/t Get slightly S/t Get All be9er or countries S/t Get be9er or worse completely end n=6198 n=1021 worse completely end 75% n=1013 25% 75% 2% 25% Get much worse 20 9 2% 20% 23 23% 20% 23% 55%
Get much worse Get slightly worse All countries Get slightly be9er S/t Get slightly S/t Get Will almost end be9er or or completely
Get much worse Get slightly worse Get slightly be9er Will almost or completely end
Get much worse Get much worse Get slightly worse Get slightly worse Get slightly be9er All Get slightly be9er Will almost or countries completely end Will almost or completely nd n=6198 n=1021 e n=1013
n=1059
n=1059
n=1040
n=1009
n=1056
Get much worse

n=1040
All
n=1009
20
n=1056
23
9 64 73 13 9 23 47 64 4 60 73 27 37 23
13 47 60 25 13 37 53 47 3 78 60 40 22 37
25 53 78 26 25 22 52 53 - 78 78 22 21 22
26 52 78 22 26 21 54 52 1 76 78 22 18 21
22 54 76
Get slightly wcountries orse All 55 13 25 26 countries
55 75
62 85
Get slightly be9er Will almost or completely end
55% 23 55% 15
2 25
- 15
Get slightly be9er or completely end
Will almost or Will e and lmost or 2 completely completely end S/T Get slightly be9er or 25 S/T Get slightly e9er completely eb nd or completely end
85 54 9 20 23 Get slightly be9er 23 15 Get slightly worse 55 78 62 76 64 73 60 78 Get slightly worse 62 Will almost or 55 2 - completely end S/t Get worse 75 85 73 Get w orse 85 sS/t lightly b e9er or 75 23 S/T Get 37 22 21 18 25 15 completely end Get slightly be9er 23 15 23 Get slightly be9er 23 15
uch worse 53 64 Get mGet 47 20 52 23 much worse
n=6198 n=1021 n=1013 n=1059 n=1040 n=1009 n=1056 n=1021 n=1013 n=1059 n=1040 n=1009 n=1056 S/t Get worse n=6198
62 22
75
22 18 54 6 76 24 18 6
27
40
22
25
22 15
15
24 27
40 22 22 24 27 40 22 22 24
43
The crisis: opportunity or obstacle to necessary reforms?

Which of the following statements is closer to your opinion?
To all
The crisis enables us to get back on our feet by forcing us to make the necessary reforms The crisis enables us to get back on our feet by forcing us to make the
necessary reforms The c risis prevents us from making the necessary reforms, since they could worsen tc he situaDon ou f s ciDzens of your country The risis prevents from making the necessary reforms, since they could
worsen the situaDon of ciDzens of your country Don't know / No answer
All countries France Germany Spain Great Britain Italy Poland
39
39
47 52 52
47
14
14
33 33 57 57 34 34
32 32 36 36
15 15 35 35 8 8 17
15 15 13 13
49 49
53 53 51 51
42
42
40
40
18
18
44
Impact of the reforms generated by the crisis

Which of the following statements is closer to your opinion?
To all
The crisis generates reforms that will have a nega=ve impact on the economic and social situa=on of ci=zens of your country
The crisis geconomic enerates a reforms that will h elp improve the conomic and nd social situa=on o f ci=zens of your ce ountry social situa=on of ci=zens of your country Don't know / No nswer of ci=zens of your country social sa itua=on
The crisis generates reforms that will have a nega=ve impact on the
The crisis generates reforms that will help improve the economic and
All countries France Germany Spain Great Britain Italy Poland
58 71 54 76 60 66
22
58 71 54 76 60 66
34
34
23 6 38
38
23 6 8
18 6 18 6 28 28 12 12 25 25 9
71 9 7
22
71
45
Impact of the crisis on the economic strength of your country

Considering your countrys economic situation prior to the crisis, do you think it will emerge from the crisis...?
To all
S/t L ess S/t L ess stronger stronger 66%
66%
27%
6%
27%
6%
S/t S/t Stronger Stronger 34%
Much stronger A li7le stronger A li7le stronger A li7le less stronger A li7le less stronger Much less stronger Much less stronger
Much stronger
34%

28%
All countries
n=6198
28%
n=1021 n=1013 countries
All
n=1059
n=1040
n=1009
n=1056
Much stronger
n=6198 5 3
n=1021 4
n=1013 6
n=1059 5
n=1040 10
n=10
39%
A li7le stronger 28 Much stronger S/t Stronger A li7le less stronger
23 6 39 45 29 39 17
20 3 24 23 35 41
35 5 41 39 38 21
22 4 27 41 32
31 36 23
6 41 21 59
39%
34 26 A li7le stronger 28 44
S/t Stronger
39 27 66
20 41 35 24 41 76
22
Much less stronger S/t Less stronger
34 27 66
26 29 74
44 39 59 17 56
27
A li7le less stronger Much less stronger S/t Less stronger
74 39 56
45 76
35 59 38 73
41
32
73
46
II Stakeholders and their state of mind
47
II - Stakeholders and their state of mind
Constructiveness of solutions proposed by a series of stakeholders

For each of the following players, would you say that they offer constructive solutions in the face of the economic crisis?
To all
Yes, absolutely Yes, somewhat No, not really No, not at all Don't know / No answer SMEs 11 Big companies 7
S/T Yes %
S/T No %
34 31
37 40 41 35 40 42
17 1 22 29 1 36 32 33 1 1
45 38 29 29 27 24
54 62 70 71 72 75
European insHtuHons 5 24 The government 6 23 Trade unions 5 22 The opposiHon 5 19
48
For each of the following players, would you say that they offer constructive solutions in the face of the economic crisis?
To all
S/T Yes SMEs Big companies European ins<tu<ons The government Trade unions The opposi<on
All countries
n=6198 n=1021 n=1013 n=1059 n=1040 n=1009 n=1056
45 38 29 29 27 24
53 26 20 21 20 25
58 50 36 45 40 37
46 28 26 19 18 16
26 40 19 40 25 26
24 34 25 15 22 20
62 48 52 31 37 24
49
II - Stakeholders and their state of mind
Opinion on the reduction of public expenditure by your government

Do you think your countrys government is reducing public expenditure too much, not enough or just as required?
To all
Too much Too much Not enough Not enough Just as Just required as required
13%
13%
S/T Yes
30%
57%
30%
n=6198 n=6198 n=1021 n=1021 n=1013 n=1059 n=1059 n=1040 n=1040 countries n=1013
All
n=1009 n=1009
n=1056 n=1056
SMEs 45 Too much
n=6198 n=1013 26 24 30 53 12 58 n=1021 22 46 55 50 n=1059 13
n=1040 62 29
n=1009
Big companies Too m38 uch 57 26 Not enough European Just ins<tu<ons 29 as required The government
40 34 30 12 28 37 22 77 50 56 28 55 81 36 22 26 8
48 50 62
13
11 Not enough 13 57
29 27 24
50
20 21 20 25
77 11
56 22
19 22 40 25 26
37 6 8
15 22 20
25
9 28
52 31 37 24
81 6
57%
Trade unions The opposi<on
Just as required
13
45 40 37
19 18 16
22
III Strengths and weaknesses
51
III - Strengths and weaknesses
Problems to solve in priority in order to end the crisis

Among the following problems, which three need to be solved as a priority in your country in order to end the crisis as quickly as possible?
To all
The high level of taxes The selshness of the rich Manufacturing companies which are closing The level of immigra8on Excessive compensa8on requirements of shareholders and CEOs The unsuitability of the educa8onal system to the world of employment The exodus of talent and young people The excessive opening of borders to foreign products The lack of growth prospects for people in society Corpora8sm, special interest groups
35% 27% 25% 24% 23% 16% 15% 14% 14% 13%
52
To all
Lack of dialogue between social partners (employees, employers, State, etc.) Lack of dialogue between social partners (employees, 12% f dialogue between social partners (employees, employers, State, tc.) and leaders The non-renewal of the poli8cal elite 12% employers, State, etc.) 12% The non-renewal of the poli8cal elite and leaders Overly restric8ve recruitment 12% and dismissal rules e non-renewal of the poli8cal elite and leaders
12% 12% 11% 10% 10% 8% 7% 6% 6% 4%
11% Overly restric8ve recruitment and dismissal rules Lack of public-spirit 11% verly restric8ve recruitment and dismissal rules
Lack of public-spirit 10% The nadequate nancing of social protec8on Lack oif public-spirit 10% The inadequate nancing of social protec8on 10% of co ondence in scien8c research The inadequate Lack nancing f social protec8on 10% and innova8on
Lack of condence in scien8c research and innova8on 8% Low birth rate (low ondence in scien8c research and innova8on 8% number of births) Low birth rate (low number of births) 7% Low birth rate (low number of births) 7% Fear of change Fear of change 6% The state of mind of the media Fear of change 6% The state of mind of the media 6% Defea8sm a6% nd the fear of decline The state of mind of the m edia Defea8sm and the fear of decline 4% Defea8sm and the fear of decline
Total > 100: three answe possible Total > 100: three answers Total > 100: three answers possible possible
4%
53

To all
1. Excessive compensa2on requirements of shareholders and CEOs (37%)

Top 3
Germany
France
2. The level of immigra2on (30%) 3. Manufacturing companies which are closing (27%)
1. Excessive compensa2on requirements of shareholders and CEOs (35%) 2. The high level of taxes (32%) 3. The selshness of the rich (32%)
Top 3
Spain
1. The high level of taxes (38%) 2. The selshness of the rich (33%) 3. Manufacturing companies which are closing (23%) and the exodus of talent and young people(23%)
Top 3
Total > 100: three answers possible
54
To all
Poland
Great Britain
1. The level of immigraDon (55%) 2. Manufacturing companies which are closing (32%) 3. The selshness of the rich (32%)
Top 3
Italy
1. The high level of taxes (54%) 2. Manufacturingcompanies which are closing (34%) 3. The selshness of the rich (23%)
Top 3
1. The high level of taxes (38%) 2. The selshness of the rich (33%) 3. Manufacturing companies which are closing (23%) and the exodus of talent and young people(23%)
Top 3
Total > 100: three answers possible
55

To all
All countries
n=6198 n=1021 n=1013 n=1059 n=1040 n=1009 n=1056
The high level of taxes The selshness of the rich Manufacturing companies which are closing The level of immigra8on Excessive compensa8on requirements of shareholders and CEOs The unsuitability of the educa8onal system to the world of employment The exodus of talent and young people The excessive opening of borders to foreign products The lack of growth prospects for people in society Corpora8sm, special interest groups
35 27 25 24 23 16 15 14 14 13
26 20 27 30 37 18 10 24 8 12
32 32 11 21 35 23 14 7 10 23
38 33 23 20 13 16 23 12 10 10
20 32 32 55 28 12 5 20 22 5
54 23 34 14 17 9 19 11 10 14
37 21 23 6 9 20 20 8 23 12
56
To all
All countries
n=6198 n=1021 n=1013 n=1059 n=1040 n=1009 n=1056
Lack of dialogue between social partners (employees, employers, State, etc.) The non-renewal of the poli?cal elite and leaders Overly restric?ve recruitment and dismissal rules Lack of public-spirit The inadequate nancing of social protec?on Lack of condence in scien?c research and innova?on Low birth rate (low number of births) Fear of change The state of mind of the media Defea?sm and the fear of decline Dont know / No answer
12 12 11 10 10 8 7 6 6 4 -
10 7 13 11 11 7 1 8 8 4 -
15 4 6 10 11 5 16 5 5 3 -
13 22 17 5 9 14 3 5 2 4 -
5 5 4 10 8 5 1 4 9 7 1
10 10 17 12 8 11 3 6 2 3 -
19 25 11 10 12 4 16 5 7 4 -
57
Belonging to the EU, asset or disadvantage?

For your country, do you think that belonging to the European Union is on the whole?
To all
It is necessary and desirable It is necessary, although I do not want it It is neither necessary, nor desirable
All countries An asset A disadvantage S/t

An asset A disadvantage
All countries 21%

All countries
43% 36%
It is necessary 57%
All All countries countries countries

n=6198 n=1021 n=1021 n=1013 n=6198 n=6198 n=1021 n=1013 n=1059 n=1040 n=1009 n=1056 n=1013 n=1040 n=1059 n=1040 n=1059 n=1009 n=1056 n=1009
All
It is necessary and desirable An a sset
48% 48%
52%
52%
48 45 57 A disadvantage 48 45 S/t It is necessary 57 62 59 Dont know - - 1 It is neither necessary, or Dont n k now 43 - 38 - 41

desirable
It is necessary, although I do not want it A disadvantage
52 An asset
21 36
55 52
23 39
19 42 55 40
15 36 15 25 29 59 70 42 59 47 36
47
41 -
30 45
30 57 63 41 53 63 53 1
53 61 39 47 -
38
36
33 62
1 55
1 38
58
Opinion on the fact private companies are taking responsability for public services
What do you think of the fact that private companies are taking responsibility for public services that only the State or public authorities provided until present?
To all
It is necessary and desirable It is necessary, although I do not want it It is neither necessary, nn or desirable It is ecessary and desirable
ries
21%
S/t All countries It is necessary 57% 21%

43% 36%
It is necessary, although I do not want it It is neither necessary, nor desirable
S/t It is necessary All 57% countries

n=6198
It is necessary and desirable
n=1021
All countries
n=6198
n=1013 n=1059 n=1040 n=1021 n=1013 n=1059
n=1040
n=1009
n=1009
n=1056 n=1056
36%
It is necessary and desirable do not want it
21 36
23 39
21 19 23 36 57 43
19 15
15 15
15 25 25 29 29 38 53 47
It is necessary, although I It is necessary, although I do not want it S/t It is necessary
40 59 41
39 62 38
30 45 55
40 59 41
38 53 47
30 45 55
36 61 39
36 61 39
33 62 38
33 62 38
S/t It is necessary 57 62 It is neither necessary, n or It is neither necessary, nor desirable

desirable
43
38
59
Expectations for the major companies in time of crisis

What are your main expectations for the major companies in your country during this time of economic crisis?
To all
Firstly
That they endeavour to safeguard the jobs of their employees That they lower their prices (by reducing their margins) That they supply to small and medium local enterprises as a priority That they oer more economical product formats, which are less wasteful That they are more transparent about the origin and more rigorous about the traceability of their products That they are more transparent about their margins and the cost of the products they sell That they favour small or local shops to sell their products That they oer beFer rewards for customer loyalty That they oer more tailored or customised (adjustable) products to consumers Dont know / No answer
Total answers 37% 76% 64% 57% 60% 50% 51% 37% 40% 38% 1%
Total > 100: several answers possible
19% 10% 8% 7% 6% 4% 4% 3% 2%
60
To all
Firstly
That they endeavour to safeguard the jobs of their employees That they lower their prices (by reducing their margins) That they supply to small and medium local enterprises as a priority That they oer more economical product formats,which are less wasteful That they are more transparent about the origin and more rigorous about the traceability of their products That they are more transparent about their margins and the cost of the products they sell That they favour small or local shops to sell their products That they oer beFer rewards for customer loyalty That they oer more tailored or customised (adjustable) products to consumers Dont know / No answer
All countries
n=6198 n=1021 n=1013 n=1059 n=1040 n=1009 n=1056
37 19 10 8 7 6 4 4 3 2
36 20 14 6 9 7 3 2 2 1
52 10 8 8 7 4 3 3 4 1
42 20 10 8 4 7 3 2 3 1
25 24 4 9 10 8 6 7 4 3
38 19 12 9 7 5 2 4 3 1
31 21 11 8 8 6 4 5 3 3
61
Expectations for the major companies in time of crisis

To all
Total answers
That they endeavour to safeguard the jobs of their employees That they lower their prices (by reducing their margins) That they oer more economical product formats, which are less wasteful That they supply to small and medium local enterprises as a priority That they are more transparent about their margins and the cost of the products they sell That they are more transparent about the origin and more rigorous about the traceability of their products That they oer beFer rewards for customer loyalty That they oer more tailored or customised (adjustable) products to consumers That they favour small or local shops to sell their products Dont know / No answer
All countries
n=6198 n=1021 n=1013 n=1059 n=1040 n=1009 n=1056
76 64 60 57 51 50 40 38 37 1
78 65 56 69 55 57 34 27 35 1
83 52 64 61 49 50 39 40 41 -
80 70 61 59 53 39 38 41 33 -
70 66 61 42 57 54 47 35 43 2
77 65 61 59 48 49 36 36 37 -
68 68 56 52 46 52 46 47 35 1
Total > 100: several answers possible
62
Strengths and shortcomings of your countrys companies to overcome the crisis

Regarding each of the following aspects, are they areas in which your countrys companies tend to have strengths or shortcomings to overcome the crisis?
To all
Strengths for the most part Shortcomings for the most part Don't know / No answer Quality of products and services Technical innovaFon and research InvenFveness and innovaFon in terms of products and services Ability to export, including outside of Europe Quality of the professional training The amount of Fme actually worked by employees in one year The country's transport and communicaFon infrastructure Social and environmental rules
74 67 67 66 61 54 53 46
24 2 31 30 32 37 44 45 52
2 3 2 2 2 2 2
63
Strengths and shortcomings of your countrys companies to overcome the crisis

To all
Strengths for the most part Shortcomings for the most part Don't know / No answer Social dialogue: relaEons between employers and employees Payroll taxaEon which nances social protecEon (e.g. re'rement, health, unemployment) RelaEons between major groups and SMEs The average employee reErement age Salary levels, labour costs English prociency of employees* The raEo between salary and cost of living (purchasing power of employees) The level of income tax and other company taxes
44 41 41 40 39 36 35 30
54 57 56 58 59 62 63 68
2 2 3 2 2 2 2 2
*For Great Britain: foreign languages instead of English
64
Strengths of your countrys companies to overcome the crisis

To all
Strengths for the most part

Quality of products and services Technical innova5on and research Inven5veness and innova5on in terms of products and services Ability to export, including outside of Europe Quality of the professional training The amount of 5me actually worked by employees in one year The country's transport and communica5on infrastructure Social and environmental rules
All countries
n=6198 n=1021 n=1013 n=1059 n=1040 n=1009 n=1056
74 67 67 66 61 54 53 46
81 74 72 57 62 51 72 53
75 75 71 69 69 57 62 48
68 53 54 65 60 52 60 43
67 65 60 54 53 50 38 42
72 60 68 68 57 49 38 49
79 77 79 85 66 64 45 43
65
Strengths of your countrys companies to overcome the crisis

To all
Shortcomings ftrengths or the m part part countries countries S fost or the most
n=6198
n=6198 n=1013 n=1059 n=1059 n=1021 n=1021 n=1013 n=1040 n=1040 n=1009 n=1009 n=1056 n=1056
All
All
Social d rela.ons between The level of income tialogue: ax and o ther company employers and employees axes
68 63
44 73 42 58 50 57 38 41 68 35 58 44 59 46 41 76 41 47 45 72 40 40 63 44 56 43 55 40 39 36
35 65 41 74 28 78 44 63
44 78 35 67 36 69 26 67
57 73 47 53 57 29 41 50
Payroll taxa.on which nances social The ra5o between salary and cost of living protec.on (e.g. re.rement, health, purchasing power of employees) unemployment)
Rela.ons etween major groups and SMEs English prociency of eb mployees* 62 The average employee re.rement age Salary levels, labour costs
alary levels, labour costs
59 58
The average employee re5rement age

English prociency of employees*
54
35 21
56
42 52
58
43 26
51
33 17
73
32 30
58
70
49
Payroll taxa5on which nances social The ra.o between salary and cost of living protec5on (e.g. re5rement, health, 56 (purchasing power of employees) unemployment)
The level of income tax and other company
35 63 30 54 41 52 39 30 56 25 53 40 57 41
54 22
30 66
64 31
21 63
52 46
25 41
Rela5ons between taxes major groups and SMEs
56 54
*For Great Britain: ocial dialogue: rela5ons between foreign languages instead of English employers and employees
56
48
60
61
55
42
66
Shortcomings of your countrys companies to overcome the crisis

To all
Shortcomings for the most part

The level of income tax and other company taxes The ra5o between salary and cost of living (purchasing power of employees) English prociency of employees* Salary levels, labour costs The average employee re5rement age Payroll taxa5on which nances social protec5on (e.g. re5rement, health, unemployment) Rela5ons between major groups and SMEs Social dialogue: rela5ons between employers and employees
All countries
n=6198 n=1021 n=1013 n=1059 n=1040 n=1009 n=1056
68 63 62 59 58 56 56 54
73 68 76 63 54 63 56 56
58 58 47 56 56 54 53 48
57 59 72 55 58 52 57 60
65 74 78 63 51 54 66 61
78 67 69 67 73 64 63 55
73 53 29 50 58 52 41 42
67
Shortcomings of your countrys companies to overcome the crisis

To all
Shortcomings for the most part

Social and environmental rules The country's transport and communica6on infrastructure The amount of 6me actually worked by employees in one year Quality of the professional training Ability to export, including outside of Europe Technical innova6on and research Inven6veness and innova6on in terms of products and services Quality of products and services
All countries
n=6198 n=1021 n=1013 n=1059 n=1040 n=1009 n=1056
52 45 44 37 32 31 30 24
45 26 47 36 41 24 25 16
50 36 42 30 30 24 27 24
54 37 46 38 32 45 44 30
53 58 45 42 41 30 35 28
50 61 50 42 31 39 31 26
56 53 34 32 14 21 19 19
68
IV Composing with the crisis
69
IV - Composing with the crisis
Personal Les 3 adjectifs efforts quiconsidered correspondent acceptable ltat in order desprit to overcome actuel the crisis more quickly
Personally, for your country to overcome the crisis more quickly, would you be willing to...?
To all concerned (except items marked by* which are on a basis of concerned active individuals)
Completely Somewhat Completely Somewhat Not really Not really Not at aNot ll at all Don't know / N o a nswer Don't know / No answer Undergo training to change career* 30 Undergo training to change career*
S/T Yes S/T No S/T Yes S/T No % % % %
30 40 24 43 21 45 17
40 18 12 18 12 70 70 43 20 20 13 13 67 67 45 21 21 13 13 66 66
30 30
33 33 34 34 48 48
Accept that Accept social b enets bb eIer reect your that social enets beIer reect your 24 income level income level
Save more oney for your reNrement to Save more m oney for m your reNrement and to and 21 cover tf he risks of dependency cover the r isks o dependency
Forego 3 or 4 days of leave in the year* ReNre one or two years later*
Forego 3 or 4 days of leave in the year* 17 ReNre one or two years later*
35
35 28
52 24 24 24 24 52 28
34 41 ove house more oRen to change posiNons or jobs* 6 18 34 41 1 jobs* 6 18 Accept a 10% reducNon in your income (salaries, 4 11 29 56 pensions, benets, etc.) ept a 10% reducNon in your income (salaries, 4 11 29 56 pensions, benets, etc.) 10 28 Accept a 10% increase in your taxes 3 59
Move house more oRen to change posiNons or
13
28
13
28
31
31
41
1
41 24 15 13
59 75 85 87
59 75 85 87
24 15 13
10 Accept a 10% increase in your taxes 3
28
59
70
Personally, for your country to overcome the crisis more quickly, would you be willing to...?
To all concerned (except items marked by* which are on a basis of concerned active individuals)
S/T Yes % Undergo training to change career* Accept that social benets be=er reect your income level Save more money for your reErement and to cover the risks of dependency Forego 3 or 4 days of leave in the year* ReEre one or two years later* Move house more oMen to change posiEons or jobs* Accept a 10% reducEon in your income (salaries, pensions, benets, etc.) Accept a 10% increase in your taxes
All countries
n=6198 n=1021 n=1013 n=1059 n=1040 n=1009 n=1056
70 67 66 52 41 24 15 13
69 75 74 51 52 27 13 14
77 50 54 40 24 18 9 9
68 76 70 64 43 22 23 15
69 59 70 39 58 24 11 17
63 76 60 67 32 25 16 11
75 61 66 52 31 28 15 12
71
Evolution Les 3 adjectifs of the quiconsumption correspondent ltat in various desprit areas actuel
In each of the following areas, how will the amount of your purchases change in the coming months?
To all
You will increase the amount of your purchases You will maintain the amount of your purchases at the current level You will reduce the amount of your purchases
S/t Increase or maintain the amount of your purchases %
Food 8 Skincare / cosmeDc products 4 Clothing 5 Holidays and leisure 7 Telephones, computers, digital tablets 5 Books, CD, DVD Wines and liquor Household appliances / Hi- Games and toys
73 56 49 38 40 40 39 37 35 31 32 40 46 55 55 56 58 59 61 64 64
19
81 60 54 45 45 44 42 41 39 36 36
4 4 4
Purchase of a vehicle (automobile, motorcycle) 5 Furniture 4
72
To all
France n=1021
Increase Maintain Reduce
Germany n=1013
Spain n=1059
Food Skincare / cosme0c products Clothing Holidays and leisure Telephones, computers, digital tablets Books, CD, DVD Wines and liquor Household appliances / Hi- Games and toys Purchase of a vehicle (automobile, motorcycle) Furniture
4 2 2 5 2 3 1 2 2 3 3
76 48 48 44 39 38 37 35 33 29 28
20 50 50 51 59 59 62 63 65 68 69
7 3 5 6 4 4 3 3 3 5 4
81 71 64 51 53 55 50 50 45 41 40
12 26 31 42 43 41 47 47 52 54 56
7 3 5 5 5 3 2 4 5 5 4
70 39 39 24 30 28 28 29 27 22 24
23 58 56 71 65 69 70 67 68 73 72
73
Evolution of the consumption in various areas

To all
Great Britain n=1040

Increase Maintain Reduce Increase
Italy n=1009
Maintain Reduce
Poland n=1056
Food Skincare / cosme0c products Clothing Holidays and leisure Telephones, computers, digital tablets Books, CD, DVD Wines and liquor Household appliances / Hi- Games and toys Purchase of a vehicle (automobile, motorcycle) Furniture
3 1 2 5 3 2 2 2 2 3 3
78 59 57 49 51 52 49 43 43 43 41
19 40 41 46 46 46 49 55 55 54 56
5 3 3 3 3 4 2 2 3 3 3
69 45 34 26 26 29 29 24 26 17 19
26 52 63 71 71 67 69 74 71 80 78
24 13 15 16 10 9 9 11 8 11 9
62 70 52 36 45 40 40 42 38 34 37
14 17 33 48 45 51 51 47 54 55 54
74
New consumption practices in various areas

In each of the following areas of consumption, what do you do or would you like to do?
To all
You already purchase or exchange among private individuals as a preference You do not purchase or exchange among private individuals, but you would like to do so Don't know / No answer
You do not purchase or exchange among private individuals, but you would like to do so Don't know / No answer You already purchase or exchange among private individuals as a preference You do not purchase or exchange among private individuals, and you would not like to do so You do not purchase or exchange among private individuals, and you would not like to do so
Books, CD, DVD Games and toys
Books, CD, DVD
26
Games and toys
18
26
30 28
28
30
43 53 54 54 57 57
57 57 59 59 62 53 43
1 1
1 1
S/t You do it or would like to %
S/t You do it or would like to %
56 46
56 46
ase of a vehicle (automobile, motorcycle) 18 Purchase of a vehicle (automobile, motorcycle)
18
18 27 27
1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1
45 45 42 42 42 42 40 40 37 34 23
Clothing 20 20 22 Clothing 22
Furniture Furniture 28 14 14 28 Telephones, computers, tablets 12 Telephones, computers, digital d tigital ablets 12 28 28 Household appliances / Hi- 11 26 Household appliances / Hi- 11 26 Holidays and leisure 8 26 Holidays and leisure 8 26 Skincare / cosmeTc products 7 16 Skincare / cosmeTc products 7 16 Wines and liquor 6 17
62 76 76 76
76
65
65
1 1 1
37 34 23
1 1
23 23
Wines and liquor 6 17
75
New Les 3 consumption adjectifs qui correspondent practices ltat in various desprit areas actuel
- You already purchase or exchange among private individuals as a preference - You do not purchase or exchange among private individuals, but you would like to do so - You do not purchase or exchange among private individuals, and you would not like to do so
To all
France n=1021
Do already Dont do but would like to Dont do and would not like to
Germany n=1013
Spain n=1059
Books, CD, DVD Games and toys Purchase of a vehicle () Clothing Furniture Telephones, computers, digital tablets Household appliances / Hi- Holidays and leisure Skincare / cosmeHc products Wines and liquor
28 20 20 18 21 10 13 8 4 5
28 28 23 20 24 24 23 27 12 14
43 52 56 61 54 66 63 64 83 80
27 20 9 18 11 8 9 5 5 3
27 26 26 23 23 25 24 20 16 15
46 54 65 59 66 66 67 75 79 81
25 19 12 22 14 15 11 9 10 7
38 36 34 26 36 37 36 38 22 23
37 45 53 52 50 47 53 53 68 70
76
- You already purchase or exchange among private individuals as a preference - You do not purchase or exchange among private individuals, but you would like to do so - You do not purchase or exchange among private individuals, and you would not like to do so
To all
Great-Britain n=1040
Italy n=1009
Poland n=1056
Books, CD, DVD Games and toys Purchase of a vehicle () Clothing Furniture Telephones, computers, digital tablets Household appliances / Hi- Holidays and leisure Skincare / cosmeHc products Wines and liquor
29 16 15 20 14 11 12 10 9 8
28 25 23 19 27 23 25 21 14 16
41 57 61 59 57 65 62 67 75 74
23 18 16 21 11 13 11 10 12 11
30 29 31 24 31 32 29 27 20 21
47 53 53 54 58 55 60 63 68 68
23 16 34 21 14 16 11 6 4 3
29 25 25 23 27 26 23 21 12 13
48 59 39 55 58 58 65 72 83 83
77
Results of the freethinking
qualitative study
78
MeTH ODOLOGy
From March 12 th-25th, 2013, we gathered some 400 upper middle class Europeans*, divided into 5 communities of 70-80 people from France, Germany, Italy, Spain and the United Kingdom. Our goal: to gain better understanding of their perception of the recession that began in 2008, and their vision of how to recover from that crisis. Conducted alongside the Ipsos quantitative study, the aim of this online qualitative survey was to grasp how Europeans articulate their perceptions and thoughts on a subject which is both theoretical and extraordinarily concrete. What does this recession mean for a French person, an Italian, a Spaniard, a Briton, a German? Overcoming the recession: how do Southern Europeans view proposed solutions, when their personal framework has been so extensively destabilized? What about Germans, whose country can boast of enviable economic performance results? And what about the French? Ending the recession: what does that mean for middle class Europeans, who are the driving force of our societies? What opportunities do they perceive? What decisions do they envisage and what sacrifices? Which actors do they trust to take up this challenge? Our consultation process gathered a massive 2,986 posts in response to these questions. The portrait that emerges differs markedly from the old vision of Europe. And that portrait is not blurry: it is sharply etched.
COMMUNiTieS
*50% men, 50% women, ages 25-60, working and retired populations. Upper middle classes: household income from 3,000/month for France and Germany, 2,500/month for Spain and Italy, 2,500 for the UKup to / 7,000/month for double income. Representation of unemployment and public/private sector employees in line with country averages. 79
I. From shock to serenity, perceptions of the crisis are not just a little differenttheyre worlds apart.
First point: perceptions of the recession are diametrically opposed. The Europeans we questioned indicate that the recession that began in 2008 has had sharply different impact on their personal lives and their country, has different causes and different consequences in the near term.
Different impacts.
This topic involves the most disagreement, with mental frameworks specific to each of the 5 countries studied (although France and Italy share some common traits):
Continuous shock: this is the Spanish model. A key phrase: We would never have believed it could have got to this point. Catastrophically low morale, with the perception of NEVER having experienced a worse period (even under the Franco regime); despondency faced with what is perceived as a longterm situation with no inviting future in sight; soaring job insecurity leading to very strong fear
of losing their homes, the latter fear even more pronounced than the fear of unemployment. Severe consumption trade-offs have already been adopted (cutting travel, hobbies, holidays and clothing). All of this leads to expressions of great vehemence regarding the economic and political elite, extenging quite frequently to the royal family, with talk of sanctions, prison and banishment.
Never, in this country, have we experienced such a deep crisis; we all have a family member who is unemployed or in financial difficulty. If someone had said to me five years ago that we would fall so low, I wouldnt have believed him. Banks are no longer lending, families cant pay their mortgages, every day loads of people are being evicted: we are all affected, either directly or indirectly. Spain
80
Those who squander money need to know that their lives are going to change, that they risk permanent destitution and prison, and its important that this happens. Its only after weve managed to achieve this that we should ask people to make sacrifices, and not start by taking the easy option Spain
Saturation: this is the Italian and French model. The key phrase: It just cant go on any longer. Morale is in a less catastrophic state than in Spain, vehemence less extreme (even with respect to demands for sanctions against the elite classes who are perceived as totally corrupt in Italy). Several participants describe themselves as crippled by taxes, overwhelmed by an impression of living in continuous decline, carrying the entire weight of the country on their shoulders. Furthermore, they say they are compelled to severely restrict their consumption. They are worried sick by the idea of losing their job from one day to the
next and of not being able to grow old with dignity in the years to come. There is a very keen perception of deindustrialisation, crystalized in Italy around the idea of Italy, a country that is closing down, or one moving towards a more eastern model. In France and Italy alike, both individuals and the country as a whole are perceived as reaching breaking point: when the next hard blow hits, there will be no more resources, no more margins for manoeuvre, and inevitably the result will be a fall in social status for the individual or irreversible decline for the country.
The crisis isnt over yet. Its still looming over us. On top of which, the politicians hide the real truth from us. And I think that, in 2014, the situation will spiral dramatically out of control in France. Because the population will be really impoverished. The state should lead by example rather than taking actions that conflict with their discourse. The French will be surprised when they receive their income tax assessment in August 2013. What a scandal Personally, Im saving at the moment so Ill be ready to face the real crisis. France France is sad because for the last 10 months we have been on a ship that is floundering, with no course charted, in the fog, with an incompetent crew. France
81
What saddens me most when Im walking through the streets of my hometown is the number of shops that are going out of business day after day, factories that are closing down, tradespeople who are barely managing to keep their heads above water, the sad atmosphere you can sense, the impression of a total lack of any desire to fight, the feeling of resignation, thats what frightens me the most. Italy
Calm amid the storm: this is the British model. This approach is very characteristic, despite the insecurity of the labour market described by many participants (and in particular, their very present fear of losing their jobs). The recession is a hard one, and it entails cutting consumption, but is also in a sense a known factor manageable, and due essentially to the behaviour of banks (who are guilty of excessive spe-
culation and then a sudden cut of credit flows). The key phrase: Its difficult but business will take off again. There is strong desire to avoid panic and stay open to new initiatives. Government and the elite classes in general are acknowledged for their avoidance of panic, even though their decisions may be criticized.
People have tightened their belts and spending has dropped so we are in a spiral of decline whereby less spending leads to further loss-making companies, leading to more job losses, ad infinitum. Very circular. The fact is that the debt to income ratio is at its lowest point for generations and we have super low interest rates; so part of the savings trend is induced only by fear. Im optimistic that things will get better these things are (historically) cyclical. UK
Serenity: this is the German model, unique and totally at odds with the rest of Europe. The key phrase: Honestly, I havent even noticed the recession. Despite some anxiety or specific dissatisfactions (with respect to mini-jobs and the lack of a minimum wage in particular), the German approach is characterized by very strong confidence in the national economy and social
82
welfare system. There is also recognition that the crisis has been well managed, with broadly accepted measures in particular flexible work schemes and a vehicle scrapping cash for clunkers plan that have enabled swift exit from reception and a move into recovery. Today the recession is over in Germany, and has become only a distant echo from abroad.
Honestly, I have to say that I followed all these events but that personally, I didnt notice the crisis at all. We know very well that there are big problems but it all seems very unreal as it hasnt affected us at all. Like a distant war. Germany
Different visions of the future.

Perceptions of the future differ greatly, and can be analysed into three groups:
The future has no future (or little future): Southern Europe, in particular Spain and Italy, but also to a lesser extent France. In discussions between participants, we saw the idea take hold that the situation is perhaps beginning to reach a point of no return. This idea of the possible point of no return is emphatically expressed in Italy and in Spain, in particular via numerous posts relating to emigration, presented as an increasingly realistic or even inevitable solution, particularly for young people. In all three countries although more significantly
in Spain than in France and Italy there is a very strong feeling of humiliation. The individual is no longer master of his or her own destiny. The country is becoming a third world country, the situation is terrible and will be even worse tomorrow (Spain), residents have been in the red for a very long time and the country is governed by German Chancellor Angela Merkel (Spain, Italy); the worst is yet to come and its now just round the corner, we need to take shelter while there is still time (France).
The economic crisis that is sweeping through France really frightens me, the situation must not get to the point its reached in Greece or Spain I think however, you dont have to be pessimistic to think that we are well on the road to reaching that point with the current government the Socialist Party is in power in Greece just it has been in France for almost a year now France
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Unfortunately, Im afraid that we will not find a way out of this crisis, because in Italy, the conditions required to make this happen in the short term (in the next five years) just dont exist. I hope that my children will succeed in finding work in a (foreign) country where the conditions are better. Italy Why bother studying? The people who make a good living are the celebrities. Why bother studying? At the end of the day, only thieves make a decent living. Why bother studying? So that Germany can do even better? Why bother working, why bother making an effort, why improve productivity since, at the end of day, I wont have a pension? Why make an effort? ... Tomorrow, perhaps, my boss will decide that I earn too much money and will kick me out the door because Im not profitable. WHY? Spain
The future isnt easy, but it is in our own hands: Britain. A key expression, directly quoted from the blog: Fairly resilient. One very firmly established idea that emerged from the discussions: individual responsibility. All in all, for the great majority of participants, an image clearly emerges
of a country and citizens that are not in very good shape economically speaking, but who nevertheless are still in control of their destiny. Underlying this: the idea that fortunately, Britain opted out of the euro, and thus has escaped some of the pitfalls of European integration.
The countrys situation seems to be a lot better than other European countries because were not tied into policy by the euro. We still have full control over our own destiny as it were. I anticipate things will get better, especially when the ConDem government get booted out of office, when everyone realises what a shambles they are. UK
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The future looks good: the Germans. A key phrase: Were doing well and were well prepared. Overall, participants rallied around two ideas: of course problems may arise in the future, in particular regarding pensions with low interest rates; but we
can prepare ourselves to face these issues calmly because we have plenty of time and functioning frameworks for dialogue between companies, government and trade unions.
Germany is still the driving force of Europe and still number one in terms of its economy. () All in all, I think that Germany can be counted among the winners (if there is anything to be won from the crisis). Germany
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II. All together or alone against everyone? Two opposing views of the main players in the recovery process.
Point number two: discussions between participants from the various communities revealed not just different views of the recession, but also the process of recovery. Two opposing models divided Northern and Southern Europe, particularly on the subject of the main actors of recovery.
Northern Europe, Germany and to a lesser degree, the UK: all together.
Regarding economic recovery and its main actors, Germany is unique among the five countries studied: the vast majority of participants agree that all social and economic insitutions not only have a positive role to play, but have played it well and continue to do so. The government and opposition many participants recalled that these actors were united under Schrder and Merkel in the Great Coalition, in order to introduce measures to aid the economy (flexible work schemes were unanimously adopted). Trade unions: some participants stated that without them Germany would not be Germany, and that they played a key role in implementing transitional solutions that they negotiated. Big businesses featured massively in the discussion boards, not only as reliable and constructive social partners (even if their primary aim was to achieve maximum profit with little concern for under-performing SMEs) but also as a source of German pride. All these players are acknowledged for their positive role in resolving the recession. The EU is viewed as an element that, for the time being, does not make things worse or not too much. However, participants feel that aid given to EU countries in difficulty should be limited.
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The government acted very intelligently. I have already described the actions taken by Chancellor Merkel and the Minister of Finance Steinbrck (). Similarly, the former Minister of Economy, zu Guttenberg, also adopted some good positions. Germany Without the trade unions, Germany would not be Germany! They are indispensable and provide a counterbalance for social inequalities. Even if Im not a member of a union, I find them good and very useful! Germany Generally speaking, due to their above average quality, German companies havent suffered particularly, compared with companies in other countries. Germany
On the UK blog, the situation is not seen as quite so clear-cut and comments are mixed. The EU is viewed more as a factor that may have created recession, since opting out of the euro clearly benefited the UK. The banks attract unanimous hostility from UK participants. But although other institutions may be challenged and criticised, they are still viewed as potential contributors to recovery: The governments austerity policy is much vilified by some participants but defended by others as inevitable. This falls very much into the category of normal political discussion, both in content and vocabulary. Trade unions may also be severely called into question for oppositional tactics, but they are not insulted or accused of being fundamentally dishonest.
The opposition: seen as relatively ineffective and at least partially responsible for the current crisis when it was in power, but is not viewed as corrupt. Big businesses are perceived as insufficiently supportive of small businesses and too likely to evade tax, but also as essential for wealth creation. This is very much the conversation and tone used in ordinary democratic exchange. Things are difficult, and if the UK is now where it is, it is because many players have done their job badly. (Others feel it is because the citizens themselves lacked a sense of responsibility when all was going well). However, no actor is accused of deliberately or knowingly provoking the current difficulties, or worse, of profiting from them.
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I think some of the austerity measures are a step in the right direction. We need to reduce the UKs debt burden but perhaps not as deeply or quickly as is currently touted by the Tories. UK - The opposition: are crucial to proper debate in parliament - Business: crucial to employment & taxation - European institutions: are not helping us right now. It is a distraction to national policies. - The trade unions: like the curates egg good in parts. Some protect rights and others seem to be basically blackmailing (industries) over incremental pay and rights for already well paid staff. UK
Southern Europe France, Italy, Spain: alone against everyone (or almost).
Conversely, in Southern Europe, almost all institutions appear to be discredited. Spain is the most radical country in Southern Europe in terms of its judgement on institutional actors; even the royal family which was not listed among the institutions to be evaluated but was spontaneously cited by a significant minority of participants is called into question. The royal family does remains on the margins of what might be termed a pool of corrupt elite classes, who are very vehemently attacked, using vocabulary that is fundamentally different from that employed in Britain or Germany. There are insults (thieves who couldnt give a damn about us) and legal threats (The guilty must be punished.). In Spain, as in Italy, no institutional actor is seen as likely to provide solutions; most, in fact, are perceived as additional problems factors hindering recovery, even cancers: The government: in Italy, where the institutional crisis has hit hard, and in Spain, where the Rajoy government crystallises resentment of the efforts demanded of citizens, as well as helplessness in the face of job insecurity and anger against unethical behaviour, the government is seen as guilty. In Italy people frequently describe their attitude towards the government as vergogna, shame.
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The opposition: in Spain, seen as guilty, like the government (the worst politicians of all times); in Italy, even maverick politician Grillo, who received many comments of support on the blog, is questioned on his ability to give his full commitment to finding solutions. Trade unions: both in Italy and Spain they are seen as obstacles recovery, with very strong denunciation of vote-catching practices in both countries. Businesses: big businesses in Spain are tarred with the same brush as the political elites, with a very harsh antimanager stance (crisis profiteers) as well as denunciation of their quasimafia excesses a position often crys-
tallised in discussions on the banking sector. There is slightly less negative perception in Italy, where there are more defenders of corporations, but they nevertheless are seen as largely indifferent or mercenary and are often accused of tax evasion. Europe: the roles of European institutions (European Commission, European Central Bank) are vague and misunderstood, but in both Spain and Italy participants grasp a number of certitudes: in Europe today Its Merkel that decides everything, and the German Chancellor seeks only to safeguard the interests of the richer and more powerful countries. The national sovereignty of southern countries is seen as directly threathened.
This government is close to the corrupt elites, it tolerates them and turns a blind eye to their activities; it is very close to the interests of the banks which apparently do not make enough money; and it is the taxpayers who have to pay for their mistakes, their debts and bad management; it is also close to certain businessmen, as well as to the Spanish Employers Union, and you regularly see star entrepreneurs appearing who then find themselves accused of fraud, who pocket our subsidies, which we all pay for They make people redundant right, left and centre Spain The measures taken are not popular at all and penalise the middle classes. It wouldnt bother me if the following condition were fulfilled THAT THE OFFICIALS HAVE THEIR ASSETS EXPROPRIATED AND ARE PUT IN PRISON, THAT IS FOR SURE!!! Spain
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Our country makes me sick (). Its disgraceful, Im ashamed of being Italian (). Were just a joke to the rest of Europe, our money disappears into the pockets of those people who call themselves politicians. They are all the same, theyre thieves, were a country of thieves. The only thing that would save us would be honesty, a word that is unknown in Italy. I prefer not to add anything else, as we know that there is no freedom of speech in this country. Italy
France is part of this Southern Europe group, insofar as French blog participants adopt the same main themes, attacking institutional actors, although usually in more moderate terms. Very harsh criticism is expressed against the government not up to the job, incompetent, irrelevant policies (outrageous tax system, lacklustre, dilatory debates) but also against the opposition, which is considered to
be non-existent; trade unions, seen as completely obsolete and obstructive to solutions; the underclass, living off welfare benefits; Europe, which has become incomprehensible Big businesses are also criticized (indifferent, even mercenary, their playing field is the entire world and they neglect France). However, this vision of business is less virulent than in Spain, and less specific than in Italy.
Our country is suffering the consequences of the economic crisis and our government seems to be either powerless or lazy! I dont think we will save the French economy by raising taxes and increasing the number of working tax credit beneficiaries! The government doesnt seem to be supporting French industry which would assist in safeguarding or even creating jobs. France If only the trade unions would stop precipitating the collapse of businesses, by strangling them with their refusal to consider any proposals, and thereby participating directly and indirectly in the rise in unemployment. France The opposition is counter-productive. They shout and cry at the slightest decision taken by the government, when they would in fact have taken the same decisions if they were in power. It is purely an attempt to gain popularity and its pointless. France
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The economy will be saved through growth, and growth can only come from businesses, small and big. Lets stop demonising the big businesses: they are the ones that drive the medium-sized enterprises which in turn drive the small businesses, all of which provide people with jobs. France
It has to be said that France and Italy are, by far, the two countries in which participants are the most open to public/private partnerships. Germans and Britons mostly oppose them (Everyone to his trade, The privatisations were a disaster.) and Spaniards
are unequivocally hostile (Yet another way to take advantage of us.) . This attitude to PPPs in France and Italy, which is not unconditional, expresses the desire to take a pragmatic stance vis--vis large corporations: lets use their power and efficiency.
It could be done but always with a public management body (). Partnerships could also be put in place when certain businesses offer a technical skill that the public sector doesnt have, or even if they possess greater investment capacity. France It would be right, in order to really improve service and reduce costs, for businesses to manage certain public services. As they are obliged to run efficiently, businesses would ensure that processes are simplified. And awarding contracts through a tender process could cut overheads. Italy
Underlying Southern Europe is defiance, with greater or lesser pessimism. One common trait: difficulty in thinking collectively, at the country
level; while the Germans and British are both more confident (in the future, in each other) and more combative (individually, but also together).
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III. Over-prepared, well-prepared, unprepared: countries are confronting recession with very uneven skill-sets.
Analysis of country strengths and weaknesses regarding economic recovery as seen by the five communities who participated in this collaborative discussion over the 10 days of the blog produced very divergent results. In addition to what this divergent data tells us about levels of confidence, hopes and aspirations, it also provides startling confirmation of the highly contrasting attitudes to national abilities and the question of social cohesion that was raised during discussion of institutional actors. Three models emerge clearly from this analysis:
The over-prepared model Germany.

The Germans we questioned demonstrated genuine confidence and real pride in speaking about a strong Germany. The German economy and society had an abundance of advantages resulting from long-standing and effective government policies, and historical strengths:
labor market flexibility unanimously perceived as an asset, effective social dialogue with trade unions and a pragmatic and non-conflictual approach that helps the country to move forward, uniquely German quality which supports economic performance.
I think that companies are well-prepared, in particular because they can fall back on part-time work from time to time. () Businesses seem to be doing well, and Im very optimistic about their ability to survive another crisis, should it occur. Germany
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Germany is very strong on the economic front thanks to its innovative companies and its very cooperative trade unions. Germany The trade unions: they put forward reasonable requests when it came to salaries. That undoubtedly helped Germany recover from the crisis. Germany
The only shadow in the picture, the price they had to pay, of a sort, as a result of their often cited success: Germanys commercial dependence on the rest of Europe and the incertitude of being able to maintain their high export levels.
Germanys reputation for producing high-quality products is undoubtedly a big advantage and therefore a strength. But Germany is dependent on its exports which could also present itself as a major weakness. If there are further international repercussions on the economy, it will have a very big impact on Germany. Germany
What really stands out the most from all these contributions, and differs sharply from contributions from Southern Europe (although perhaps
not the UK), is once again a very strong collective spirit that fosters harmonious negotiation between managers and employees.
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It is the people that form the basis of our strength. But our attitude to politics is also an advantage, as after all, that is what keeps both people and businesses happy in Germany. Germany
As opposed to
Its very difficult to find a solution, because in our country, there are too many people, institutions, businesses and others who are in the habit of pocketing commissions, taking a cut, accepting back-handers, both small and large, in other words all the money they can possible extract from the other citizens. Spain
The well-prepared model - UK, France, Italy.

The English, French and Italians we interviewed shared a similar assessment: there are some serious impediments but also some major assets. This could lead us to question, in particular for France and Italy, whether this assessment is somewhat unrealistic some of the supposed assets seem fairly vague and can in this light appear to be escapist fantasies. By way of comparison, German participants were able to cite concrete examples that directly concern them when they spoke of flexibility or partial unemployment.
Perceived impediments.
In the UK: an economy insufficiently stimulated to jump-start business and entrepreneurship (blamed on the reluctance of banks); an absence of cooperation between big businesses and SMEs (the case of Tesco is often cited); immigration as being competition for British workers.
There are many companies who cant do much because they cannot get any cash from the banks. They wont go broke, but cannot expand. They just coast unproductively. UK
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In Italy: widespread corruption among political and business leaders is at the top of the list, as we have already seen. But also, a dramatic lack of civic sense throughout the entire population, to a
degree that is unique and dwarfs that of the other countries studied. At the macroeconomic level, businesses are burdened by an unfair tax policy, as well as by the inertia of the banks.
The situation could be improved if there were more professionals and less amateurism, if we really privatized and encouraged people to feel valued for their skills and not for who they know. If Italians were to change their mindset to be more like Northern Europe and quit thinking solely about how to cheat each other, perhaps we would be moving in the right direction. Italy
In France, the impediments most often cited were: social contributions as placing an overwhelming and ultimately destructive burden on businesses, the 35-hours week as having a detrimental effect on many and contributing to the inefficiency of the French economic model, immigration viewed from a socioeconomic angle, as putting a strain on social security government handouts as being virtually institutionalized, a situation that is not only extremely costly for the community but also destroys value and saps the morale of those who work, and finally, recent government policy as an impediment in and of itself: inaction on government spending and a social security system adrift; the end of tax exemption of overtime pay as a further detriment to French purchasing power; the hostility shown toward corporate executives, increasing the risk of economic hardship and putting the brakes on entrepreneurship.
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Businesses cannot survive the crisis, they simply cannot cope with being overtaxed by the government! Thats why so many are relocating! So the government needs to take action and help them! Employers are not all looking for a huge profit! Some also want to support their country and the people who live here. France The problem is our inertia in the face of change. We take too much for granted, we urgently need to reconsider the viability of the 35-hours work week, which today has not had the desired effect on job creation and has been slowing companies down. France The government has been very creative in inventing new taxes but has done nothing to reduce public spending (which would mean redefining the role of the state, and the use of modern methods such as levying withholding tax). France I am against all kinds of handouts and the various abuses of the welfare system which only serve to increase inequality, make honest people feel frustrated, and add to the government deficit! France Not allowing the arrival en masse of people who have no business being in France. Bringing back the work ethic, adopting effective measures even if theyre unpopular. And most importantly, seeing that our country, our rules and our laws are respected. France
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Perceived assets.
In the UK, the vast majority of people interviewed see their countrys position outside the eurozone as being a source of strength in the past and even more so today: England as a resolutely Anglo-Saxon power rather than a European one, drawing on the strength of relationships with commonwealth countries and with the USA. Also, the historical British Bulldog spirit as a distinctive character trait that is valued in business.
The advantages are: pound instead of euro, island isolation, English language, economical links with Commonwealth countries, strong presence in international relations. UK The British bulldog spirit still exists, and we are usually at our best when seen as the underdogs or threatened. UK
In France and in Italy: the assets evoked tend to sound like products of escapist fantasy: creativity, innovation, or even Italian resourcefulness; the know-how that supposedly transforms Made in France and Made in Italy into a reality that must be defended and promoted, in tandem with other assets linked to history and heritage: tourism, culture, history and the art of living.
One of our countrys strong points has always been our ability to adapt to the most extreme situations, our imagination, our creativity. Italy Frances main assets during the crisis are, above all, advanced know-how in certain areas (aerospace, nuclear, renewable energies such as solar, luxury goods, tourism, agriculture, etc.). These skills should be developed further so they can be exported. France
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Labor and creativity. In France we havent got oil, but we have got ideas. France France has a geographic location, culture and a level of creativity that have long made this little country one of this worlds leaders. France
Then there is the third model, the country that sees itself as unprepared: Spain.
Numerous posts deliver a very specific assessment, many of them conveying a sense of despair.
Although a number of participants still referred to the Made in Spain concept as an asset and even as a type of Spanish genius, these references were not in the majority. What was in the majority, in fact, was the feeling of irreversible decline, and this corollary question: what is left of Spain? Many make the very harsh assessment that Spain is a country economically dead in the water, killed by its ruling elites.
The main problem is peoples lack of confidence in their elected representatives, but how are they supposed to trust people who have not gone into politics to help others but rather to steal all that they can, to enrich themselves at the expense of others, not giving a damn whether or not were able to make ends meet every month? To overcome the crisis, we must first clean up the political class of this country. Spain
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This country needs a major movement like the regeneration movement of 1898. With the loss of trust in politicians, the economic crisis, the crisis of values (which is undoubtedly worse), we are losing our bearings. () Its like a century ago, the socialists are responsible for everything, we can see it in the centrifugal forces that have led many of us to fear living in the soon-to-be Ex-Spain. Theres no possible solution if we cannot learn to walk together on the same path. () Transformed into a country made up of taifas kingdoms, which is a serious scourge in Spain, we will have absolutely nothing at all. Im sorry, but I cannot be more optimistic. Spain
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IV. How can we emerge from the crisis? Different visions of the efforts required.
The fourth key point raised in these online conversations: Answers to the question How can we emerge from the crisis? differ significantly at the collective level. That is, the answers converge in principle but they differ with regard to how individuals can put the solutions into practice. And there is this conclusion: Europeans polled in these communities give a sense of progressing in a disorganized fashion towards a solution to the crisis, which remains very much hypothetical in southern Europe.
Different solutions depending on the country.

Job protection is the priority for all participants regardless of their country, their experience of the crisis, or their countrys particular situation. As far as how to achieve this, the strategies put forward by Europeans differ dramatically. For Germany, the solution is external and there is life outside of Europe. It is always about preserving export channels, often meaning exports to those countries representing the world outside old Europe and from which salvation, prosperity and employment will come. The obvious solution is to focus efforts on exporting German quality to emerging countries, while efficiently managing exports to Europe. Specific efforts to maintain the quality of the German workforce (youth training, immigration control) would need to be a top national priority.
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Our businesses are in fact Germanys economic strength. () German products are known and appreciated around the world for their quality, we dont need to jeopardize this by relying on cheap production abroad. Exports are a key pillar of our economy but that will only be true as long as we deliver high-quality products. Germany In my opinion, German companies have pretty much kept out of the crisis up to now. This is because they export to many countries, especially to wealthy countries (such as China and Arab countries) where demand has not been affected as much by the European crisis. Germany
For the UK, the reasoning is similar. The country is decidedly outside the eurozone and the European Union, moving in an Anglo-Saxon orbit where pragmatic development efforts can show results in terms of growth and therefore employment. The main idea being if it aint broke dont fix it (i.e., why change
successful strategies that work Germans exporting quality, British turning to the Open Sea). There is no reason, the argument goes, that this way of doing things should no longer work in a globalized world. Persevere? Yes. Question how things are done? Perhaps. Start over from scratch? Why should we?
The UK still retains a global brand, and provided firms open their eyes further than Europe and the US, they will find a growing middle class that is hungry for the things we find at home. - UK
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In Southern Europe and France, although the need to conquer markets and promote quality is also mentioned, the most frequently cited solution is fundamentally different: looking inward to help develop the country. Protecting the Made in France/Spain/ Italy concept means first and foremost protecting the national economy, local employment, local demand and the local economic fabric. Proposing a new shared future to businesses by promoting links with big businesses and local SMEs. And theres one issue that barely registers in Germany and the UK: rebuilding a future for young people in their home country. And the implications are greater than they would be in Northern Europe as it
involves fundamentally reinventing an economic and social model that no longer works. With a glaring question from employees in France, Italy and Spain perceptible in their tone and choice of wording: is getting past the crisis an enormous task for which we have no user manual something that can be achieved within one generation? It is not a matter, as it is in Germany, of simply pushing onward, making adjustments and anticipating the identified risks (European demand, rising inequality, uncontrolled immigration, etc.). Or, as in the UK, of turning once again toward a natural destiny. No, here it is a matter of rebooting an entire nation, beginning with its ruling elites.
What I expect from big businesses in times of crisis is a more responsible attitude. They are robust enough to safeguard jobs, they can take action towards sustainable development: prioritizing short distribution chains with local supply from French SMEs in order to support them and promote French know-how rather than outsourcing. France I expect them to know how to get involved fully to combat the crisis by trying to create jobs as much as they can and investing in the country, by putting investments outside of Spain on the backburner. Spain
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SMEs need to form a network, to share common strategies (take, for example the case of the 12 companies in Modena that I mentioned in my previous post), to seek out new markets, with the support of effective government agencies. Italy
Real but fragile convergences at the individual level.

The final lesson to be learned from this collaborative research: in response to the question What would you be willing to do personally? three findings emerge with striking clarity and demonstrate that consensus can be fragile among Europeans even when they seem to share a point of view. Firstly, on the degree of receptivity to the notion of individual effort required to emerge from the crisis. A first reading shows us that all of the participants, regardless of their country of origin, are willing to make an effort to end the crisis; this is a genuine point of consensus. However, the degree of receptivity may be very different: Relatively low in Spain, by far the community the least willing to make an effort, both because previous efforts are described as enormous, and because the issue of the equal distribution of those that remain is a controversial and in a sense obstructive one (others need to make an effort now!); on this scale of degree of openness towards efforts, Germany is by far the highest country, because for the moment it is relatively unaffected by the crisis but above all because the efforts already made ten years ago (with the frequent evocation of the Hartz concept) are still fresh in the memory... and because they were successful. As with collective solutions, the UK is more on the side of Germany in terms of this question of individual effort; France and Italy, although more open, are more on the side of Spain.
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There is widespread disillusionment and if we wait for those who are corrupt to solve our problems, we will continue to wait. We must, as citizens, deal with the root causes of the problem and get rid of the politicians who are responsible for this situation. This should bring a breath of fresh air and a clean start to give us renewed hope. Spain Espagne People are willing to make sacrifices if there is a result at the end: but we are required to make more and more effort and the situation gets worse every year... Well, for some, because the situation of the decision-makers is just getting better... politicians, big bosses Efforts, sure, but efforts by everyone, especially for those who want to apply them to others.France For me, in principle, all the points are acceptable but not all at the same time. Germany
Then, on the question of the required ROI. Although the Germans expressing their opinions on this blog say they are more willing to make certain kinds of effort, it is in fact only them; the issue of ROI of these efforts arose among all Europeans surveyed, but in a different form. For if the idea that effort is possible, desirable, even inevitable, brings communities together regardless of their view of the crisis and getting out it, accepting to make these efforts is therefore clearly linked to the vision of the countrys future, its responsiveness. It can be seen in terms of positive or negative elasticity
of effort: a vision of a difficult future and a facture country, with corrupt and/or incompetent elites, in the three Southern European countries, reinforces the negative elasticity of effort (My efforts wont have any effect, apart from negative.). And this makes the notion more difficult (in France, Italy) or even intolerable (in Spain). In contrast, in Germany, the vision of a reassuring past suggests that there will be a positive elasticity of effort in the future, that more efforts should be made (My efforts have already had a higher ROI on the sacrifices made once before, so this will surely happen again.) and therefore people are encouraged to respond more positively.
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Firstly, we need to know if these measures are really going to recover from the crisis, because the vast majority of them have already been taken and their effectiveness still remains to be seen. However, we quickly felt the negative effects. Spain Since the crisis happened, Ive always done what was asked of me by the government and Ive changed my lifestyle, without receiving anything from the government. () It is unbearable to think of all the money that has been diverted from the state coffers, which was spent on unnecessary and luxurious things for their friends and themselves. They should give all this money back and be punished for abuse of power (...). And what pains us the most, as citizens, is that they have come together to rob us and now its up to us to pay for it, and theyre not guilty of anything because theyre protected by laws made by and for them. ENOUGHS ENOUGH!Spain For us, in Germany, the crisis did not have any impact because we are better off. Everyone contributed (employees, employers, trade unions, etc.) Here we also recognise the different mentalities, those of the northern and southern countries. Our governments (starting with Schrder) have handled it well. Germany I find that in Germany, we are doing well. Even youth unemployment is relatively low here. We certainly need more reforms in order to stay competitive and safeguard our jobs. Germany
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Finally, on the most important question for everyone: to be active or passive? This is the third major finding: as the key issue in the coming years, participants clearly cite the challenge for their countries to be, remain or once again become master of their own destiny. But once again, the ways of achieving this tend to differ. In all the countries studied (including Germany) being the master of ones own destiny means remaining in on the action, being involved in decisions made by the political elite rather than having them imposed. Among the variety of possible measures proposed in each country, two are massively
rejected throughout Europe which is symbolic of this refusal to submit to policies that are controversial (France) or rejected (Spain, Italy), or to undergo a direct, automatic and unjustified loss in purchasing power (Germany, UK): e nduring a 10% increase in taxes: the feeling of being faced with a tax overdose is widespread but felt particularly in France and Italy; e nduring a 10% drop in income: not only in the places where income has already decreased (particularly in Spain) but also in France.
I do not want higher taxes; we are already taxed on everything. I refuse to accept lower wages either; our wages are not increasing in line with inflation, and Ive already suffered a pay cut. France
In contrast, measures suggesting a greater ability to predict and control our lives are seen as more acceptable. Training to improve job mobility is widely supported, particularly in Germany and the UK, where it appears as a condition of professionalism or a business requirement, but also in France, Italy and Germany:
Those who want to do their job properly should always be learning and taking part in ongoing training. To live is to learn. Germany
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I have also retrained twice in my working life and have never claimed unemployment. - UK At the end of the day, flexibility and employee training are key for me. An employee must be able to question himself, to change jobs during his career, possibly moving geographically; in other words moving with our changing economy and society. France Re-training for a change in occupation, if the job is interesting financially speaking, then why not? Italy Re-train for a change in occupation. Its essential. Start anew or die. Spain
In the three Southern European countries, pushing back the retirement age is considered to be already official. Taking retirement one or two years later is not/is no longer a choice, but rather a reality that people must now live with in Spain and Italy, and a bleak but necessary prospect in France. Unlike in Germany and England, where people are not prepared to agree once more to sacrifices they have already made.
Why would I retire later? I save money, I live within my means. Why penalise me for the incompetence of others? - UK Retiring two or three years later? The labour market would be even fuller! Germany Taking retirement 1 or 2 years later: dont kid yourself, it wont end there, Im getting ready, and frankly if it is only one or two years, it will be a lesser evil... if retirement even exists anymore. France
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Unfortunately, and because I dont have a choice, I am going to have to retire one or two years later. Spain Retiring a year or two later? Thats if we still have the right to a retirement, for these days it is almost impossible for use to retire (the amount of retirement continues to decrease, the number of years required for the right to retire is increasing, taxes continue to rise). Italy
Finally, the idea of building up a supplementary pension in order to grow old with dignity (the fear of not growing old with dignity is a major shared concern), is also frequently mentioned: it is also about being in control of ones own life and future.
As a freelancer its up to me to organize my pension. I get no help from the state. Germany In order to be a bit better off in retirement, Ive made several investments and bought a property so as not to fall into poverty (I hope!). Germany I expect to have to save for my retirement, I would hate to be financially dependent on anyone at any time in the future - UK
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Individual savings are a necessity for planning for retirement but also all lifes little surprises (lower income at time of retirement or periods of unemployment, having children, illness, fewer healthcare reimbursements, paying for childrens education, etc.). France I think that, when it is time for us to retire (I am 35 at the moment), the coffers will be empty and there will be no money left for anyone; thats why Ive invested a bit in a pension fund, so I can make sure Im comfortable in my old age. Italy In the 32 years of my career, Ive always saved money during times of crisis, but if there is no more work, how are we supposed to save (or spend)? Spain
For everyone, then, being master of your own destiny means being more or less involved in decisions, even if those decisions are difficult to make. It is also about acting collectively. But yet again, Southern Europe and Northern Europe do this in different ways. While in Germany and the UK the solution entails combining individual responsibility with the will to create a shared future more or less
harmoniously and rationally, the solution in Italy, Spain and France is essentially individualistic. In the first case, efficiency is essential for fairness, and in the second, the proclaimed desire for justice the sanctions against elites and the clean-up envisaged in Italy and in Spain is essential for action.
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Europe 2013 A Continent Adrift

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Europe 2013 A Continent Adrift

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EUROPE 2013

Results of the Ipsos/CGI quantitative study

Results of the FreeThinking qualitative study 

About this survey

Results of the ipsos/cgi

Sample Europe 6,198 respondents, including:

I. Crisis has a real impact on the attitudes and behaviour of Europeans.

Europeans have also modified their behaviour as a consequence.

II. Upturn still uncertain: has Europe broken down?

Europeans no longer believe in the effectiveness of reforms.

Recovery through European companies?

Citizens and consumers try to take back control.

Detai led resu lts

I Social climate and expectations

I - Social climate and expectations

The 3 adjectives that best describe your current state of mind

For y For ourself yourself

For yourself S/t NegaDve

30% 16% 38% 25% 32% 27% 45%

92% 97% 91% 94% 89% 91% 88%

I - Social climate and expectations

3% 34% 37% 44% 10% 9%

S/T You manage to save money %

37% 43% 44% 26% 46% 29% 30%

Which statement best describes your current situation?

I - Social climate and expectations

Impact of the economic crisis

Yes, yourself or someone in your household

Reduced the cost of your mobile phone contract, internet

which the heaBng is switched on in your home

I - Social climate and expectations

Impact of the economic crisis

S/T Yes, yourself or someone in your houseold

n=6198 n=1013 n=1021 n=1021 n=1013

Accommodate someone you know who lost his/her home

I - Social climate and expectations

Impact of the economic crisis

0 situa6on encountered 1 to 5 situa6ons encountered 6 to 10 situa6ons encountered 11 to 15 situa6ons encountered

Situa6ons encountered on average (yourself or someone in your houseold)

All countries: 5.1 4.5 3.2 6.6

8% 10% 35% 47%

Consequences on everyday life XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

It helped me discover opportuni9es from which I have beneted

It made the dicul9es I was experiencing a bit worse

All countries All countries

All All countries

S/T It made the dicul9es worse

I - Social climate and expectations

Impact of the crisis on behaviours

Strongly agree Tend to agree Tend to disagree Strongly disagree

S/T Not agree %

Average number of posi=ve consequences

I - Social climate and expectations

Control over the way life unfolds

All countries countries

n=1021 n=1059 n=1013 n=1059 n=1040 n=1040 n=1009 n=1056

Perception of your personal future

All All countries countries

Completely open Slightly open

Slightly S/t open Open 46 61

Slightly blocked Completely blocked

I - Social climate and expectations

Strongest concerns for your personal future

Results of the FreeThinking qualitative study